"Mauritania does not seem to me, either strategically or geographically, the best country to deploy the military designed to fight terrorism in the Sahel. In such a counter-terrorism scenario, specialized forces are more logical to operate from a country that is closer to the center [of the African continent] or closer to the field of activity. Moreover, Mauritania has not experienced a terrorist attack since 2011 and is probably less likely to need the assistance of a multinational force," Ghazouani told French newspaper Le Figaro on Friday.
He also said he had on many occasions spoken by phone with ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held by the coup leaders. Bazoum feels fine and is optimistic, the Mauritanian president added.
A coup took place in Niger, a former French colony, on July 26. French-backed President Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. The coup leaders demanded the withdrawal of French troops from the country. Paris initially refused, but on September 24, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal.