French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong condemnation for the military coup that unfolded in Niger, aiming to remove President Mohamed Bazoum from power. Macron emphasized that this action goes against the interests of the nation, its citizens, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Macron conveyed this stance to the French publication Le Point on Wednesday, asserting that France’s operations and involvement are integral to securing the stability of various African countries, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
“If we get an overview, France was right to enroll with the African countries to fight against terrorism. It is its (France’s) honor and responsibility,” Macron said.
Macron also linked the French intervention in the area to some countries’ survival.
“If we were not engaged, via the operations Serval and Barkhane, there would be, undoubtedly, no more Mali, no more Burkina Faso, I am not even sure that there would still be Niger,” he said.
The president further said that those operations, conducted upon African states’ request, were a success.
“The French policy, that I convey since 2017, is to get out of the security mentality,” he said. “I believe in a partnership policy where France defends its interests, and supports Africa in its success. It is a real partnership, not a security condominium.”
Speaking on the Niger crisis, which started on July 26, after General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led coupists deposed Bazoum, the French president said the junta must “reinstate the constitutional order.”
“This is a coup against democracy in Niger, Nigerien people, and counterterrorism,” Macron added.
ECOWAS last week demanded that the military restore constitutional order in Niger “in order to concentrate on the security of the country, which has become increasingly fragile” since Bazoum was ousted.
On Tuesday, the African Union said it has suspended Niger from all its activities until the army cedes power.
