NIGERIEN FOREIGN MINISTRY
Niger ends security and defence partnerships with the EU
Niger's military leaders announced the termination of two EU security missions, opting to strengthen military ties with Russia. They ended agreements concerning the EUCAP Sahel Niger and an EU military partnership mission aimed at bolstering Niger's armed forces against terrorism. The nation, battling jihadist insurgencies from Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso, shifted alliances post-President Bazoum's ousting in July. France withdrew troops, prompting closer ties between Niger's military regime and Russia. The shift aligns with Mali and Burkina Faso, also led by militaries partnering with Russia amid jihadist conflicts.
France to start evacuating French, EU citizens from Niger
France has announced it will evacuate French and other European citizens from Niger following the military coup last week, making it the seventh takeover in under three years. Its borders have been closed to commercial flights since the military overthrew the democratically elected government. The coup has sparked security concerns due to links to Islamic State and al Qaeda, particularly as Niger's Western allies fear losing influence to Russia.
Coup in Niger, military officers oust Presiden Mohamed Bazoum; curfew imposed, land & air border closed
Mohamed Bazoum, Niger's pro-Western and democratically elected leader, rose to power in 2021, but now faces a coup attempt by the Presidential Guard. His reputation remains untainted by corruption scandals, signaling his commitment to public affairs.
