Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en
Category
đ
NewsTranscript
00:00 As the regional bloc, ECOWAS, seeks to resolve the crisis in Niger, the military junta are
00:06 digging their heels in.
00:08 On Wednesday, the group responsible for the coup d'etat accused former colonial power
00:12 France of deliberately attempting to destabilise the country by violating its airspace and
00:18 releasing several terrorists.
00:21 "These security disruptions, planned by these French forces as was the case in Mali and
00:27 Burkina Faso, aim to discredit the CNSP and create a rupture with the people who support
00:32 it in its actions, or to create a feeling of generalised insecurity in any case."
00:39 The French Foreign Ministry rejected the claims, adding that the flight had been authorised
00:44 and coordinated with Niger's armed forces.
00:47 "Today's air movement in Niger was the subject of prior agreement and technical coordination
00:53 with Nigerian forces confirmed in writing.
00:56 No attack against a Niger camp has taken place."
01:00 Since seizing power two weeks ago, the junta has already revoked five military cooperation
01:06 agreements with France, but Paris has rejected that decision, saying it was not taken by
01:11 Niger's legitimate authorities.
01:13 Meanwhile, the US has advised its citizens residing in Niger to keep a low profile and
01:19 avoid unnecessary movements around town.
01:22 Following the failed attempt to meet with deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on Monday,
01:27 Washington has expressed concern over his health and that of his family.
01:32 They have been detained in the presidential palace since July 26, with rumours they were
01:36 being held in inhumane conditions.
01:39 West African leaders are set to weigh their options during Thursday's ECOWAS summit, with
01:44 diplomacy apparently edging out military intervention for now.