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Added on the 10/10/2023 18:27:36 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Demonstrators gather outside a military base housing French forces in Niamey, Niger, for the third day running, to demand their departure. IMAGES
US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin says that the US would "evaluate any future steps that would prioritise both our democratic and our security goals" referring to the situation in Niger in a speech made in Nairobi. The comments comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of French troops and diplomats from the country. "We really want to see a diplomatic solution evolve" says Austin. SOUNDBITE
Thousands rally outside the French embassy in Niamey, to protest against France's presence in the country. Demonstrators hold up signs reading 'Long live the Nigerien army, down with France, down with ECOWAS' (Economic Community of West African States). Former colonial ruler France has suspended security cooperation and financial aid to the jihadist-hit country after General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the elite Presidential Guard, on Friday declared himself the West African country's new leader, two days after his forces confined democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to his official residence. IMAGES
Shouts of 'A bas la France' (Down with France) can be heard in the Niger capital Niamey as residents stage an anti-France protest outside the French embassy. Former colonial ruler France has suspended security cooperation and financial aid to the jihadist-hit country after General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the elite Presidential Guard, on Friday declared himself the West African country's new leader, two days after his forces confined democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to his official residence. IMAGES
The decorated funeral caskets of French soldiers Cédric de Pierrepont, 33, and Alain Bertoncello, 28, are carried by colleagues into the Cour d'Honneur at the Invalides national military complex in Paris. The soldiers, killed during a raid to free hostages in Burkina Faso, are honoured during a national ceremony presided over by Emmanuel Macron. IMAGES