The French Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed that it would not follow the demands of Nigerien military government to withdraw French troops from the country by September 3.
Asked by the media to comment on the relevant demand forwarded by the military in Niger, the French Foreign Ministry gave a reference to its previous communiques, which repeatedly indicated that Paris only recognizes the demands of Niger's civil authorities, which have been ousted by the military.
The same applies to the termination of military agreements with France, as announced by the military in Niger.
"The French military stationed in Niger, like everyone else, is present there at the request of the country's legitimate authorities, on the basis of agreements signed with the country's legitimate authorities, in order to assist in the fight against terrorism [...] Military agreements were signed with the legitimate authorities of Niger, we recognize only them," the French Foreign Ministry said earlier.
Sky News Arabia earlier reported that the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, formed by the military who had in July staged a coup in Niger, demanded a complete withdrawal of French troops from the country by September 3. It also announced the cancellation of all security and military agreements with France.
On July 26, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. France condemned the coup, while expressing support for "the legitimate government" of its former colony.
The coup leaders, on their part, halted gold and uranium exports to France, blocked French media and denounced several military pacts with Paris.
Since the coup, mass rallies have taken place in Niger demanding the complete withdrawal of French troops from the West African country.