Niger: French forces present at the Aguelal site are disengaging and leaving the area. Eric Ozanne, Commander of French forces in the Sahel, informed the hierarchy of the Nigerien army of this decision in a letter dated August 6, 2023. In response, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces gave his approval.
The French forces will depart from the Aguelal site, located near Arlit. This site was previously a French military base and is situated in a uranium mining area. It appears to be a voluntary departure to N’Djamena, Chad.
In his letter in response to Eric Ozanne, Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou gave his favorable opinion on the departure with an important clarification. “Due to certain operational commitments, I regret to inform you that the Nigerien Armed Forces will not be able to provide protection for the equipment that will be left behind,” he stated.
This emphasized clarification in the letter’s wording is likely a way of conveying to the French military to depart with their equipment and leave nothing behind.
This disengagement comes in a context of tension between Niamey and Paris following the coup that overthrew the government of Mohamed Bazoum. The coup leaders have denounced the military agreements signed between Niger and France. On the other hand, France has vigorously responded by stating that its forces will not move, thereby challenging the legitimacy of the coup leaders.
