Niger’s Coup and America’s Choice
Foreign AffairsSep 01, 2023
The Facts
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris will withdraw its soldiers from Niger by the end of the year following weeks of escalating tensions with the country's new military leaders.
In an interview with French television outlets, Macron said military cooperation with Niger was "over," adding that in addition to withdrawing its 1.5K troops, Paris also decided to immediately withdraw its ambassador and several diplomats from Niger.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The withdrawal of French troops and Macron's announcement to recall the French ambassador from Niger is the right decision given the ungrateful and hostile attitude of the Nigerien junta. The power-hungry coup plotters toppled the elected president for implementing bold reforms, thereby threatening their influence. France has helped Sahel countries like Niger, often alone, to fight Islamist terrorism, and the withdrawal of French troops does not bode well for the future and stability of Niger and the entire region.
Establishment-critical narrative
Macron's announcement to withdraw French troops and the French ambassador from Niger is another major embarrassment for Paris. This is all the more true since Macron had previously announced that he would not give in to the military government's demand for the pullout of French troops and the French ambassador. The fact that Macron has now given in to the pressure is a victory for the Nigerien military government and underscores the fact that the "Françafrique" era is ultimately coming to an end.
Narrative C
While France's withdrawal signals Niger's break with the political status quo, another development points to economic continuity. For instance, Western mining companies — most notably the French company Orano — continue to operate in the country to mine Niger's valuable uranium deposits. Some even have expansion plans, and so far there is little to suggest that the Nigerien military government intends to stop the companies' activities. Niamey's break with the West is by no means as radical as it might seem at first glance.
