The French government issued a strong warning, stating that any attack on French citizens or interests in Niger will trigger an immediate and forceful response.
Pro-junta protests occurred outside the French Embassy in Niamey after last week’s military coup.
President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed that he will not tolerate any aggression against France, including its diplomats, armed forces, or businesses. Macron has already spoken with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and former President Mahamadou Issoufou, both of whom condemned the coup and urged for calm.
France has cut all development aid to Niger and demanded the return of Bazoum, as the country has been a security partner for France and the United States in countering Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region.
