[BREAKING] Military Intervention: France Amassing Troops, Equipment In ECOWAS States – Niger Junta Cries Out

[BREAKING] Military Intervention: France Amassing Troops, Equipment In ECOWAS States – Niger Junta Cries Out

Niger’s military has accused France of amassing forces and equipment in several West African countries, suggesting preparations for a potential military intervention against Niamey.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger’s coup leaders, made these claims on national television, stating that France has been deploying forces in member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in what they believe is part of a plan for aggression against Niger.

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Colonel Abdramane further alleged that French military cargo aircraft have been used to transport significant amounts of war materials and equipment to countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin.

These allegations have come amidst escalating tensions between Niger and France, the nation’s former colonial power, following a military coup on July 26. Paris has supported the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has resisted Niger’s demands to withdraw its troops and envoy from the Sahel state.

Additionally, Niger is facing a standoff with the ECOWAS bloc, which has threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to reinstate Bazoum prove unsuccessful.

In Niamey, thousands have been participating in near-daily protests near a military base housing French soldiers, demanding their departure. France maintains around 1,500 soldiers in Niger as part of the broader fight against groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).

A French defense ministry source has confirmed discussions with the military regime regarding the withdrawal of certain elements of its presence in Niger. This aligns with statements made by military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who indicated talks about a rapid withdrawal of French troops.

Zeine also expressed the government’s desire to uphold cooperation with a country they’ve shared much with and expressed hope for an agreement with ECOWAS.

The United States, with approximately 1,100 soldiers in Niger, has initiated the precautionary relocation of its troops from Niamey to the central city of Agadez, according to the US Department of Defense.