Niger/France: convergence of points of view on security and development

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and Nigerien Defense Minister Alkassoum Indatou on July 15, 2022 in Niamey.

AFP - BERTRAND GUAY

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

First trip to Africa for the two new French Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna and Sébastien Lecornu, received this Friday morning by President Mohamed Bazoum.

After this meeting, they held a joint conference.

And on questions of security and development, there is a convergence of views.

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With our special correspondent in Niamey

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On the security level

, the Nigerien Minister of Defense notes a deteriorating situation in the sub-region, a fear for the countries of the Gulf of Guinea.

Alkassoum Indatou underlines the vacuum created by the departure of the French from Mali and asks France for support “ 

 ”.

His French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu shows a desire to pursue a high-quality partnership between Niger and France.

Proposals should be made to the two Heads of State who will decide more precisely the contours of this future collaboration by the fall.

On the development side, several announcements: 20 million euros in budgetary aid, eight million euros in food aid in the context of the war in Ukraine, as well as a financing agreement to help with the electrification of Niger.

France wishes to show that it is at the side of the countries which request it, that it combines military action and development while respecting the sovereignty of the countries concerned, while a growing anti-French feeling is developing in the Sahelian region.

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• Niger

• France

• Defense

• Cooperation and Development