Image source: topwar.ru
All agreements that were concluded between Niger and France in the field of security and defense are canceled. This was stated by the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland of Niger, Al-Arabiya TV channel reports.
The military who came to power in Niger on the night of July 27 demonstrate a desire for total disengagement with France. In particular, the new authorities decided to cancel any agreements with Paris in the field of defense and security.
Not far from the French military base in Niamey, mass rallies took place last Saturday and Sunday, in which the generals of the Niger army participated. The participants of the rallies chanted slogans in support of the new authorities of the country and against French and Western colonialism.
Earlier, the authorities of Niger demanded that the French ambassador leave the country within 48 hours. But Paris has so far refused to take out diplomats, as it claims that the military authorities of Niger are not legitimate, therefore they cannot make such statements. In response, the Nigerian authorities disconnected the French Embassy from life support systems.
Recall that in the past Niger was a colony of France. Until recently, pro-French governments were in power in the country, which made the republic one of the last strongholds of French influence in the Sahel.
Niger is also important for France because it is one of the key suppliers of uranium. According to some reports, from 30% to 40% of the uranium consumed by France is supplied from Niger. The separation of Niamey from Paris is fraught with not very good consequences for the French energy industry.
