Following a protracted standoff between France and the Niger military junta, Niger ended its defense pact with France, kicked the French ambassador out of the country and France is in the process of withdrawing its troops from the country. However, a troubling video has surfaced showing a French warship docking in Ivory Coast and its raising some convening questions. The video captured the arrival of a French warship at the Abidjan port in Ivory Coast. This video, filmed by a transporter from Burkina Faso, raises many questions and eyebrows. The transporter notes that the French warship had arrived the night before and spots another French warship to the right of the port. This unexpected appearance of French naval power leaves us all wondering about its purpose and implications. Is it there for military intervention against Niger, or is it simply for training purposes with the Ivory Coast military?
It’s worth noting that France operates a military base in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast where around 1000 troops are stationed. Also, despite the anti-french sentiments that seems to have spread across some parts of Africa, the relationship between France and Ivory Coast is still quite stable. The appearance however of the French warship brings to mind the allegations levied against France by the military junta on September 9th 2023. According to Niger’s military, France was gathering forces and equipment in several West African countries to launch a “military intervention” against Niamey. Specifically the military government of Niger stated that “French “military cargo aircraft have enabled large quantities of war material and equipment to be unloaded in Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin, to name but a few”
So far, there has been no official response from the French government or the Ivory Coast government regarding the presence of the warship. Despite this, the timing of this warship’s appearance in Ivory Coast, amid strained relations between France and Niger, is undeniably concerning.
What are your thoughts? Is France planning a military intervention against Niger? Let us know in the comments section down below and do not forget to like, subscribe and share this video.