Source : Météo Sahel 

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The closure of the French embassy in Niger marked a turning point in relations between Paris and Niamey. This rare decision was taken at the same time as the withdrawal of French soldiers deployed in the fight against terrorism. Relations had deteriorated since last July's military coup and the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum. At the same time, the Nigerien authorities have stepped up their retaliatory measures, notably expelling European nationals, members of the EUCAP Sahel vision, a 120-strong European mission created in 2012 to reinforce internal security, and suspending the activities of the Maison de la presse, against a backdrop of growing tensions between the military government and civil society.

In addition, the Nigerien government has launched regional consultations with a view to an inclusive national dialogue to define the duration of the transition for the military in power since the coup d'état in July. These consultations have brought together a variety of players to discuss the main issues at stake in the transition: officers from the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, members of the government, traditional and religious chiefs of former Tuareg rebel fighters, youth organizations, trade unions, NGOs, etc. However, the military regime continues to arrest government leaders Mohamed Bazoum, himself still sequestered in his presidential residence, while his son was granted provisional freedom on January 8. Ibrahim Yacoubou, the former Energy Minister in the President's government, was arrested on his return to Niger.

However, the security situation remains worrying, as evidenced by the drone strikes carried out by the Nigerien army in response to a jihadist attack in the southwest of the country, in the village of Tiawa, not far from the border with Burkina Faso. Unfortunately, these strikes resulted in civilian casualties, prompting criticism and calls for transparent investigations. Finally, Niger sought to diversify its international partnerships, announcing an intensification of its military cooperation with Russia, following Prime Minister Lamine Zeine's visit to Turkey, Serbia and then Iran. This initiative comes at a time when the country is seeking external support (equipment and expertise) in the face of the security and political challenges it faces.