Niger’s prime minister, who was appointed by the military council, confirmed on Monday that there were “ongoing talks” for a “quick” withdrawal of the French forces stationed in the country.
Ali Muhammad al-Amin Zain said in a press conference that the French forces “are in an illegal situation,” according to what was reported by the agency, “Agence France Presse.”
He added, “The ongoing talks should allow for the withdrawal of these forces very quickly. What matters to us is that we maintain cooperation with a country with which we have shared many things, if that is possible.”
The coup d’état that took place on July 26 alarmed the world powers, who fear a shift towards military rule in West and Central Africa, which has witnessed 8 coups since 2020.
The most affected country is France, whose influence over its former colonies in West Africa has waned over the past years with increasing public criticism.
Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso expelled French forces after two coups in those two countries, reducing their role in the war against a militant rebellion that claimed many lives in the region.
France enjoys friendly relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has about 1,500 soldiers in Niger.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that he speaks with Bazoum every day and that “any decisions we make, whatever they are, will be based on our contact with Bazoum.”
The military council in Niger denounced Macron’s statements as divisive and aimed only at consolidating a new colonial relationship between France and its former colony.
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