France refused to withdraw its troops from Niger

Illustrative photo from open sources

France rejected the Niger junta's offer to terminate bilateral military agreements, saying that only a "legitimate" The leadership of the West African country has the right to do so.

Ukrinform reports this. with reference to France 24.

Niger is of particular strategic value to both the US and France, as both nations have a significant military presence in the West African country. More than a thousand troops from each country are based in Nigeria to help combat a surge in jihadist attacks in the region.

"US President Joe Biden's administration sees the country as its best counter-terrorism outpost in the volatile Sahel region. . France refused to withdraw its troops, saying that only “legitimate” the authorities have the right to ask for this", – journalists note.

The publication adds that the conduct of troops from Niger is threatened not only by the rise of jihadist groups, but also by the strengthening of the influence of the Russian mercenary group “Wagner”, which is present in several countries of the Sahel region, including Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso.

Having pulled Niger into its orbit, Moscow can take control of more than 60% of the world's nuclear fuel production.

As reported by BAGNET, as a result of the July 26-27 coup, the government in Niger was seized the military, who control key administrative buildings. The legitimately elected pro-American president Mohamed Bazum was overthrown.

General Abdurrahman Chiani, who led the coup in Niger, announced himself as the country's new leader.

As writes The Financial Times , Bazum's ouster followed a series of military coups in West Africa, including in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. The leaders of the 2021 coup in Mali with the support of the “Wagner” PVC; drove out French troops.

The UN Secretary General condemned the coup in Niger.

Prepared by Serhiy Daga