In a stern response to the recent coup in Niger, French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the ousting of the country’s elected leader and labeled it as a “dangerous” development for the Sahel region. The coup has prompted Western powers to rally in a bid to safeguard a crucial ally in the insurgency-ravaged area.
President Macron addressed the situation on Friday, expressing his strong disapproval of the coup that led to the removal of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum from power. He deemed the seizure of power “completely illegitimate” and warned of grave consequences not only for the people of Niger but also for the entire region.
During his statement, Macron also urged for the immediate release of President Bazoum, who has been held captive in his own residence by his own presidential guard since Wednesday, in the wake of the coup.
Niger’s government has long been regarded by the international community as a crucial bulwark against the rising threat of Islamist militancy in the vast and arid Sahel region, which faces significant security challenges. However, the recent upheaval has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential implications it may have on the fight against extremism.
For years, French and UN forces have been combating Islamist insurgency in neighboring Mali. While UN troops were forced to withdraw from Mali in recent times, France has continued its military presence in Niger, deploying around 1,500 soldiers in the region to assist in security efforts. However, the success of President Bazoum’s overthrow now casts uncertainty on the future of this military deployment.
President Macron’s comments were made during his visit to Papua New Guinea, underscoring the seriousness with which France views the situation in Niger. He emphasized the urgent need to restore constitutional order in the country and reaffirmed his commitment to support regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in their mediation efforts and consideration of sanctions against the coup leaders.
The international community, along with ECOWAS, is closely monitoring the situation in Niger and is expected to take measures to pressure the coup leaders into restoring democratic governance in the country. As the Sahel region continues to grapple with security challenges, the events unfolding in Niger have drawn global attention, and the actions of Western powers, led by France, will play a pivotal role in determining the future stability of the region.
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