Mauritania not interested in hosting French troops flashed out of Niger – President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani

Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has told French media Le Figaro his country will not provide a territory for French troops expelled out of Niger.

“Mauritania does not seem to me, either strategically or geographically, to be the best country to host soldiers dedicated to the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. In the fight against terrorism, it makes more sense for dedicated forces to be deployed in a country that is closer to or at the center of the field of operations. Mauritania has not suffered an attack on its soil since 2011, and probably has less need for the assistance of a multinational force,” Ghazouani said in an interview with the French media.

“Africa expects too much from France. Misunderstandings had accumulated between Paris and its partners on the continent. This, combined with the dissatisfaction of African populations with their own leaders, made France’s position in Africa a delicate one,” he added.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron late September gave in to Niger’s new authorities demand for the departure of the 1,500 French troops stationed in the West African country to counter terrorism in the region.

The authorities, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani who toppled on July 26 President Mohamed Bazoum, have severed ties with the former colonial power. They also obtained the departure of French ambassador Sylvain Itté.