Read this article from Search for Common Ground’s Eoin O’Leary & Beatrice Abouya on what role European countries can have in building a peaceful future for Niger.
“The withdrawal of French forces from Niger is officially underway, just weeks after French president Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of a full withdrawal by year’s end.
The decision comes in the wake of the military takeover on 26 July, which saw the removal of president Mohamed Bazoum. This appears to be a significant setback, despite the local population’s support, both for the fight against violent extremism in the Sahel region and for French foreign policy more broadly, in particular with Paris’ firm stance in favour of a return to the status quo ante 26 July.
But it is certainly also an opportunity to chart a more effective European approach going forward.”
Read the full article: https://euobserver.com/opinion/157531
