French President Emmanuel Macron has responded firmly to the coup d’état in Niger, stating that France will not tolerate any attack against its interests. As a demonstration took place in front of the French Embassy in Niamey, tension rises in the Nigerien capital where thousands of people protest against the presence of Operation Barkhane.
Following the coup d’état confirmed by the National Council for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), Niger is facing a particularly tense situation this Sunday in Niamey. Thousands of protesters have gathered to express their discontent against France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Some protesters chant “down with France” and even brandish Russian flags, demanding the departure of Operation Barkhane, which is still present in Niger.
In response to these demonstrations, French President Emmanuel Macron made it clear that his country will not tolerate any attack against France, its nationals, its armed forces, diplomats, or its interests on Nigerien soil. The Elysée Palace released a statement relayed by Le Figaro, emphasizing that any attack would be met with an “immediate and uncompromising” response.
France has also taken concrete measures by immediately suspending all development assistance and budgetary support to Niger. French diplomacy calls for an immediate return to the Nigerien constitutional order, supporting President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected by the Nigerien people.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, reiterated that the will of the people must be respected, and the constitutional order must be restored promptly. These statements have been supported at the European level by Josep Borell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who declared that the European Union would not recognize the authorities resulting from the coup and that it supports the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
