According to a report, a Niger military spokesman said on national tv on Saturday that France are gathering forces and equipment in several west african countries, and that they are continuing to deploy their forces in member countries of ecowas (the economic community of west african states) as part of preparations for aggression against Niger, which it is planning in collaberation with the community organisation. Reportedly, french military cargo aircraft have unloaded large quantities of war material and equipment in Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin.
According to the report, thousands of people have been holding near daily demonstrations around a military base housing french soldiers to demand their departure. Reportedly, in the past France has refused to comply with Niger’s request to remove its troops and envoy, now Paris is in talks with Niger over withdrawing elements of its presence. According to the report, the prime minister who wants to maintain cooperation with France following a swift departure said he is also hopeful of coming to an agreement with ecowas. Reportedly, the u.s. who have around 1100 troops in Niger have been relocating troops from the capital to the city of Agadez, central Niger.