https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230817/niger-its-official-end-of-francafrique-according-to-former-austrian-minister-1061402084.html
Niger: It's 'Official End of Francafrique,' According to Former Austrian Minister
Niger: It's 'Official End of Francafrique,' According to Former Austrian Minister
Sputnik Africa
In July, Niger's military announced that President Mohamed Bazoum had been removed from power. Leaders of Western countries and the regional organization of... 17.08.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-08-17T18:30+0200
2023-08-17T18:30+0200
2023-08-17T18:30+0200
situation in niger after military coup
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After Burkina Faso and Mali, France is losing Niger, says Karin Kneissl, who headed Austrian diplomacy from 2017 to 2019. According to her, African countries have more opportunities on the continent and can choose whom to cooperate with.The change of power in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali is "the official end of Francafrique," former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl (in office from 2017 to 2019) told Sputnik.Ms. Kneissl added that African countries can now opt for China, Turkiye, Russia, and India as partners, as more opportunities and more players present themselves on the continent.France ChallengedFor several months, Paris has been experiencing a series of setbacks on the African continent. Anti-French discontent has taken hold in some countries, particularly in West Africa, leading to the withdrawal of military forces from Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic.At the end of July, the Nigerien Army announced on national television that President Mohamed Bazoum had been deposed. A former French colony, Niger was considered one of the Western world's last allies in the Sahel. Paris has supplied it with drones and fighter jets, and deployed 1,500 soldiers to combat terrorist groups operating on the borders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. In addition, Niger has rich uranium reserves, which are seen as especially valuable for France, which actively utilizes nuclear energy.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230816/war-in-niger-would-help-nato-to-plunder-our-resources-says-senior-malian-official-1061388844.html
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niger, france, west, west africa, protests, europe
Niger: It's 'Official End of Francafrique,' According to Former Austrian Minister
Samantha Arias
Producer / Podcast host
In July, Niger's military announced that President Mohamed Bazoum had been removed from power. Leaders of Western countries and the regional organization of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) condemned the coup. In early August, ECOWAS countries adopted a plan in the event of a military intervention in Niger.
After Burkina Faso and Mali, France is losing Niger, says Karin Kneissl, who headed Austrian diplomacy from 2017 to 2019. According to her, African countries have more opportunities on the continent and can choose whom to cooperate with.
The change of power in Niger,
Burkina Faso, and Mali is
"the official end of Francafrique," former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl (in office from 2017 to 2019) told
Sputnik.
"France is gradually losing its foothold in African countries: they've been expelled from Mali, they've been expelled from Burkina Faso. Now Niger wants to close the French military bases in the country. For France, I think this is the official end of the Francafrique policy, since the new authorities can choose," she declared.
Ms. Kneissl added that African countries can now opt for China, Turkiye, Russia, and India as partners, as more opportunities and more players present themselves on the continent.
For several months, Paris has been experiencing a series of setbacks on the African continent. Anti-French discontent has taken hold in some countries, particularly in West Africa, leading to the withdrawal of military forces from Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic.
At the end of July, the Nigerien Army announced on national television that President Mohamed Bazoum had been deposed. A former French colony, Niger was considered one of the Western world's last allies in the Sahel. Paris has supplied it with drones and fighter jets, and deployed 1,500 soldiers to combat terrorist groups operating on the borders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. In addition, Niger has rich
uranium reserves, which are seen as especially valuable for France, which actively utilizes nuclear energy.
