Niger’s Premier announces ongoing talks for French forces to pull out

Ali Lamine Zeine, Niger’s Prime Minister, indicated Monday September 4 that there are ongoing talks with Paris for French soldiers stationed in the African country to leave as millions of Nigeriens have been demonstrating for the withdrawal of the forces.

“The talks that are underway should enable these forces to be withdrawn very quickly,” Zeine said during a press conference in capital Niamey.

“What interests us is, if possible, to maintain cooperation with a country with which we have shared a great deal.” Zeine, a former African Development Bank top official, was appointed Prime Minister on August 7 by the Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), a junta that seized power on July 26, after deposing West-backed President Mohamed Bazoum.

Relations between the CNSP and France have been sour since the coup, as Paris refuses to recognize the junta. The CNSP has reportedly terminated all agreements with the former colonial power. The new Nigerien authorities have also terminated the mission of the French ambassador and demanded the withdrawal of French troops. The demand has been endorsed by thousands of Nigeriens who have been demonstrating daily in front of the French military base in Niamey.