France is “not in the logic of leaving Niger”, says the Nigerien Minister of the Interior

Tensions remain high between Paris and Niamey. France is not “not in the logic of leaving Niger”, accused the Nigerien Minister of the Interior on Tuesday, October 3. Appointed by the military regime resulting from the coup d’état, Mohamed Toumba spoke during a meeting with civil society organizations, unions, religious and traditional leaders, a week after Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the withdrawal by the end of the year French troops in this Sahelian country.

Some 1,500 French soldiers are present in Niger as part of the anti-jihadist fight. “Today, there are more than 3,000, even 3,500”, estimated General Toumba. The French will leave Niger “but not by Benin”did he declare. “Any direction, except Benin”, he insisted. Relations between the junta and the Beninese authorities have been poor since the coup, with the Nigerien military accusing this neighboring country “to consider aggression against Niger”by authorizing “the stationing of mercenary soldiers and war materials in the perspective of an aggression desired by France in collaboration with certain countries” of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“We’re going to let go of your planes at the last minute.” added Mohamed Toumba Tuesday evening addressing France, without further details. The military regime has been engaged in a standoff with Paris since the July coup which overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of the former colonial power. This does not recognize the new authorities of Niger.