The Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) announced the annulment of all security and military agreements with France, Arabiya reported on Wednesday.
In addition, Nigerien military leaders announced the lifting of the curfew imposed since July 27, following the coup in which President Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard.
Last week, the Foreign Ministry of Niger decided to deprive French Ambassador Sylvain Itte of agrement and ask him to leave the country within 48 hours. Paris said that took note of Niger’s request to ambassador, but noted that rebels have no authority to make such decisions.
On Monday, several media outlets, citing statements on social media, reported that the new authorities in Niger had taken the French diplomatic mission off life support. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed earlier on Monday that the French ambassador would remain in Niger, despite pressure from the rebel government.
Over the weekend, mass rallies with the participation of a number of generals of the Nigerien army were held at the French base in Niamey. The participants chanted slogans in support of the army and expressed their position against France.
Niger's military announced the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum and the formation of the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland (CNSP) on national television in late July.
Leaders of most Western countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup. In early August, participants in an emergency meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of staff in Abuja, Nigeria, approved a contingency plan for military intervention in Niger to restore Bazoum to power.
Niger, a former French colony, has been one of the last Western allies in the Sahel. The country is also home to rich uranium reserves that France depends on for supplies. According to French media, the African country accounts for 15 to 17 percent of the uranium used to generate electricity in France.
There are currently 1,500 and 1,000 French military personnel deployed in Niger and neighboring Chad, respectively.