"Niger Military Accuses France of Preparing for Intervention with Deployed Forces"

The military leaders of Niger have accused France of gathering forces and war materials in neighboring West African countries with the intention of military intervention. Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated since the French government supported the ousted president after the July coup. Niger is also facing pressure from the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to reinstate the former president fail. The military regime in Niger claims that France has deployed military aircraft, helicopters, and armored vehicles to Cote d'Ivoire and Benin, and has unloaded war materials and equipment in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and Benin. France, which has 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger, is in talks with the military regime about withdrawing some of its presence. The United States has also begun relocating its troops from Niamey to Agadez as a precaution.