Niger’s junta in talks with France and ECOWAS
(VOVWORLD) - Niger army officials are now in talks with France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on a number of issues related to the recent coup in Niger. According to analysts, this is a hopeful sign.
 General Abdourahmane Tiani (third from right), led the coup in Niger in Niamey in July (Photo: Reuters) |
Sky News has reported that Niger's new Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine says Niger is in talks with France on the withdrawal from Niger of 1,500 French troops and French ambassador Sylvain Itte, who was ordered to leave Niger by the junta.
According to Le Monde, the two sides have not reached an agreement on the number of French troops to be withdrawn from Niger. The French government wants to withdraw just part of its troops, while Niger is demanding a total withdrawal.
Niger’s junta is reported to be negotiating with ECOWAS on a transition from military rule to civilian rule via an election.