
Niger: Communique de presse du Gouvernement (31.03.2022)











“Our goal is for our border with Mali to be secure. We expect that after the departure of Barkhane and Takuba, this area will be even more infested and that the terrorist groups will strengthen. However, we know that they are destined to extend their influence. The new bases will therefore not be far from Ménaka and Gao. They will especially welcome Takuba, because it has great advantages for us. They are special forces with capabilities responding to the threat posed by terrorist organizations. Takuba is also a force integrated into the Malian army and soon into the Niger army. We will have an agreement with the European governments which could intervene. Barkhane’s concept is a bit different” (President Mohamed Bazoum, 18.02.2022).
It seems like the Republic of Niger wants to have a base and a new central role in Barkhane Operation of the French and European military in the Sahel region. That is the message is the of the Niger President Mohamed Bazoum today.
We know the authorities and Conseil National de Transition (CNT) have decided to end their military agreements and co-operation with the French and other foreign allies in Mali. That’s why Bazoum takes the opportunity to strengthen his defence and use the French with a possible bigger base in Niger. This is how it looks to me.
That the former French colonies are now trying to strategies to get benefits of it, as the French have not promised to cease their operations or efforts in the Sahel region. Which wouldn’t shock anyone, as the French want to defend their interests and calculated assets there. The French are not there out of charity, but because it’s big business for them.
Now Niger will be in the mercy of the French and their loyalty to Paris. Niamey will be the token soldier for the French and their needs. We know the French don’t want to have accountability or transparency oft their military efforts in the Western Africa and in Sahel Region. That’s the gist of it…
Niger is just taking over the spot of Mali and doing it willingly, as a way of boosting their own defences while throwing shade at Mali. Because, they are using the fragile borders as an excuse to have additional troops on its territory.
Bazoum is clearly an ally of the French and wants to be an elitist of Paris. He wants the goodwill and support from the French. That is clear here and Niamey is a place to look out for. As Bazoum is trying to strategise himself in close association of French interests in the Sahel region. Peace.

