Niger’s putschists on Monday accused former colonial ruler France of wanting to ‘intervene militarily’ to reinstate the country’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed in a military coup last week
The military junta that seized power in Niger last week, has alleged that the ousted government has granted France permission to carry out strikes on the presidential palace with the aim of freeing President Mohamed Bazoum.
This announcement came from Army Colonel Amadou Abdramane, one of the leaders of the coup, who addressed the nation on state television, Monday morning, July 31.
‘In its search for ways and means to intervene militarily in Niger, France with the complicity of some Nigeriens, held a meeting with the chief of staff of the Nigerien national guard to obtain the necessary political and military authorisation needed,’ Amadou Abdramane said.
According to Abdramane, the approval was acknowledged by Niger’s Foreign Minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, who was acting as the prime minister at the time.
France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, has expressed its disapproval of the coup, advocating for the reinstatement of President Bazoum.
France and the US have military bases in Niger and donate millions in aod to the West African nation every year.
However, the European nation has not publicly indicated any intention to intervene militarily in the ongoing dispute.
In response to the coup, the junta has issued a stern warning against any foreign attempts to rescue Bazoum.
According to the military leaders, such intervention could result in a tumultuous situation, characterized by bloodshed and chaos.
At a time when the nation is grappling with a sudden power shift, the possibility of foreign intervention could exacerbate the already tense situation.
The junta’s warning against foreign rescue attempts underscores their determination to maintain control and resist external influence.
Responding to the allegations, the French foreign ministry said it was focused on guaranteeing the security of its nationals, a day after thousands of demonstrators rallied outside the country’s embassy in Niamey, setting a door to the embassy ablaze.
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed ‘immediate’ action if French citizens or interests were attacked in Niger.
Anti-French sentiment runs high in some former African colonies as the continent becomes a renewed diplomatic battleground, with Russian and Chinese influence growing.
