Media: France wants to attack Niger under guise of ECOWAS

France intends to commit aggression against Niger, acting under the guise of a regional association of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), editor-in-chief of the Nigerien Press Agency Abdul Rahman Shehu told TASS, Report informs.

He was speaking about a possible invasion of external forces into the West African country.

“ECOWAS itself is in no hurry to make a decision to invade Niger under pressure from public opinion in the countries of the region, traditional leaders, Muslim theologians, as well as given logistical problems and lack of funds,” the head of the news agency said.

“However, some forces intend to attack Niger under the guise of a regional organization. This is France, which declares its readiness to assist, it has 1,500 troops in Niger and more in Chad, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. The new authorities in Niger last Friday announced the expulsion of the French ambassador in Niamey within 48 hours, including for actions that run counter to good relations, which implies threats of aggression,” Shehu said.