French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that it was in no way possible to talk about withdrawing French troops from Niger with the current military officials in power, since Paris does not recognize them as the legitimate authorities.
"We don't recognize the legitimacy of the putschists' declarations, since President Bazoum has not relinquished power. So if we redeploy, I would only do so at President Bazoum's request and in coordination with him," Macron noted at the G20 press conference.
France's military presence in the West African nation in the wake of the coup has evoked intense criticism from both the new authorities and the Nigerien people, who have held numerous rallies outside the French military base, demanding the former colonial master withdraw some 1,500 soldiers.
Last week, Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said that the presence of French soldiers in Niger is illegal and called on Paris to swiftly conduct a pullout.
Furthermore, on Sunday, Niger's coup leaders, according to French media reports, accused France of stationing troops in several ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries in a bid to gear up for aggression against Niger.
"France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an attack on Niger in collaboration with the regional bloc," a news agency reported, citing government member Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane.
Niger experienced a coup on July 26. Bazoum, the previous leader, was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. France condemned the takeover, while expressing support for "the legitimate government" of its former colony.
The nation's new leaders, in turn, cut off gold and uranium exports to France, blocked French media and denounced several military pacts with Paris.
Niger has been one of the West's last allies in the Sahel. The African country is also home to rich uranium reserves, on which France depends for its supply. According to the French media, Niger accounts for 15% to 17% of the uranium used to generate electricity in France.