France on Thursday called for the release and restoration of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum after what it said was a 'power grab' in a country vital to its remaining military interests in the Sahel region.
President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum delivers a speech during the opening session of the New Global Financial Pact Summit at the Palais Brogniart in Paris, France on June 22, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Coups in Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso have weakened France's alliances in its former colonies, emboldened jihadists who control large swathes of desert and scrubland, and opened the door to greater Russian influence. A French diplomatic source said Paris remained in contact with Bazoum and that the situation on the ground was still "very confused."
Losing Niger's support would leave Paris with few remaining options and most likely lead to it being forced to withdrew its forces, diplomats and analysts said. However, unlike in the past the role of the French troops is solely to support Niger's forces when they identify operations.
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