The crisis between Paris and Niamey testifies to France’s weakening position on the international stage, as Leslie Varenne, Director of the Institut de Veille et d’Étude des Relations internationales et Stratégiques (IVERIS), explains here.
Niamey putschists demand French ambassador’s departure. The ultimatum expires on Saturday, September 2. But from Friday 1ᵉʳ September, a giant sit-in will be organized to demand the departure of French troops from Niger. Paris refuses.
US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland’s surprise visit to Niamey on August 6, 2023 marks a turning point in the Niger crisis. The United States took charge and marginalized France. Read the analysis by Leslie Varenne, Director of the Institut de veille et d’étude des relations internationales et stratégiques (IVERIS).
The ECOWAS ultimatum expired last night at midnight. The junta and the population are now expecting military intervention. Niger has closed its airspace and claims that two Central African countries have deployed troops.
At a time when France is urgently repatriating its nationals, can it leave Niger to deal with two major problems on its own: terrorism, which is ravaging the region, and mass immigration to Europe? An in-depth analysis from a military officer who prefers to remain anonymous.
