In a backdrop of intensifying discord due to the military overthrow of Niger’s elected government, the Republic of Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has declared the termination of its military pact with France.
The French Embassy in Niamey received the announcement from Niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, which echoed the sentiments of France’s top authorities regarding the political upheaval in Niger since July 26, 2023.
The decision to bring an end to the cooperation agreements and arrangements was taken by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP). Central to their decision is the Agreement of 19 February 1977 on Technical Military Cooperation, which allows for termination with a three-month notice as per its Article 12.
Other key agreements include the Agreement of 25 March 2013, which governs the operations of French military personnel in Niger for Sahel security and can be terminated with a one-month notice, and the Agreement of 19 July 2013, which outlines the status of French soldiers in Niger. The latter can also be ceased with a month’s notice.
Another crucial agreement is the Technical Agreement of 02 January 2015 on the parking and activities of the French Joint Detachment on Niger’s territory. This can be ended with a 30-day notice. Finally, the Additional Protocol of 28 April 2020 to the Agreement of 25 March 2013 can be terminated with a 90-day notice. This protocol concerns the legal status of non-French detachments of the Force Takuba.
Expressing gratitude for the cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger reiterated its high regards towards the French Embassy in Niamey.
SOURCE: Leadership
IMAGE: Politico, Twitter: @ddgeopolitics
