Link to article: https://allafrica.com/stories/202309110070.html
Summary: When a junta seized power in Niger on 26 July, joint military operations against jihadists between Niger and France were suspended. French troops, ordered to stay in their barracks, face an uncertain future as diplomatic wrangling over a possible pull-out continues. The old government (the only one France recognizes) was very pro-French, and the new one is not. They want the French out, and the French do not want to leave. There have also been attacks on the French, and both military personnel and civilians have died as a result. If the French were to leave (both people and equipment) the roughly 1,000 American troops would likely soon follow. The French president (Macron) has also refused to recall the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, after the junta lifted his diplomatic immunity and called for his expulsion. Itté has been a persona non grata for the coup leaders since he refused an official invitation to meet them at the end of August. “The French diplomat is now holed up at the embassy in Niamey. While police cannot arrest him on the embassy’s compound, he may be arrested if he leaves the property”, the junta’s prime minister Zeine said.
Analysis: The French are not recognizing the legitimacy of the new government, causing them to also not listen diplomatically. When the Niger government makes demands to pull their troops out, the French are saying they will only listen to President Mohamed Bazoum, who is still in custody. France is also Niger’s top export partner (in value). The French government is almost entirely dependent upon Niger for Uranium, which fuels its extensive nuclear power system, mined in the northern town of Arlit. France receives 25% of their Uranium from Niger. If France pulls out of Niger and relations fall further, they will lose access to that uranium, and they need that infrastructure wise.
Connection to class: The relationship between Niger and France relates to international relations due to discussions of legitimate government. We discussed in class the requirements of becoming a state, including having a permanent population, sovereignty, international recognition, and a legitimate government. Here, this is a conflict the way it is due to one state not recognizing another states government as legitimate. Niger is also then losing some of its international recognition. Niger could also make a case that the French are violating their sovereignty by not recognizing their government, and by not pulling out their troops and ambassadors when asked to do so. And also continuing not to do so after attacks on the troops, where both military personnel and civilians were wounded and killed.
