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At a time when France is preparing the transfer from Mali to Niger of part of its counter-terrorism system in the Sahel, Operation “Barkhane”, an event has left ugly traces. Including Mohamed Bazoum, yet one of the warmest supporters of cooperation “totally confused” with Paris. In Niamey, the Nigerien president told us on April 2 that he regretted “inappropriate statements” of the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, after French soldiers fired on young Nigerien demonstrators – three died – who blocked, in Téra, the passage of a “Barkhane” supply convoy in November 2021.
The convoy left from Abidjan, the Ivorian economic capital, was to reach Gao, in Mali. He was first blocked and stoned in Kaya, in central Burkina Faso, before resuming his journey a few days later and being again interrupted by angry demonstrators in Téra, in western Niger. “The dialogue was engaged with the demonstrators to lift the dam. But a young French captain wanted to force the convoy through. It was a mistake “explains a source of the presidency.
Mohamed Bazoum then asked for an investigation to be opened to establish the exact circumstances of the tragedy. “There was an internal investigation, which showed that, in the face of demonstrations of great violence, our soldiers demonstrates the necessary skill and have got the right reaction”Florence Parly had replied curtly in an interview with the Sunday newspaper of December 19, 2021. “She might as well have said to us: Move on, there’s nothing to see! It’s humiliating “, comments a close friend of the Nigerien presidency. Humiliating and awkward vis-à-vis local public opinion very easily irritated about the French military presence in the Sahel.
“A finding of inefficiency and widespread suspicion”
“France is in the hot seat”notes Omar Idi Ango, former minister of the interior and president of the Independent Circle of Reflection and Citizen Actions, a think tank in Niamey. « Nigeriens thought that “Barkhane” would solve the security problems in the Sahelhe adds. Ten years later, the situation has worsened. There is an acknowledgment of inefficiency and a general suspicion concerning the objectives of “Barkhane”, who in any case will have to change their method if they settle in Niger. » “Our presence, particularly in Niamey, is significant, we cannot hope to increase our presence at the airport”recognizes a French source.
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