Niger junta revokes military deals with France

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00:00 This is Niger's state TV, now the propaganda platform for the new military regime.

00:05 It's cut off access to French channels, including France 24.

00:08 This, the latest statement from the group's spokesman.

00:12 Faced with France's flippant attitude and reaction to the internal situation in our

00:16 country, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland has decided to denounce the

00:22 cooperation agreements in the field of security and defence with France.

00:27 For ten minutes, their spokesman dryly announces one by one the end of all military agreements

00:32 with France since 1977.

00:34 Paris will be notified with immediate effect, he says.

00:38 It's unclear what happens next for more than a thousand French troops based in the country.

00:43 The group accuses its former colonial ruler of meddling in its affairs, of plotting to

00:47 overthrow them, denied by the Elysee Palace.

00:50 But anti-French sentiment evident amongst the pro-coup demonstrators on the streets

00:54 of Niamey yesterday.

00:57 Long live Russia, says the sign.

00:59 Its paramilitary Wagner force present in several neighbouring countries accused of peddling

01:03 anti-Western sentiment.

01:05 As for the fate of the president imprisoned in his palace, only this image exists of a

01:10 smiling Mohamed Bazoum on the right.

01:12 He's been able to write this open letter in the Washington Post, calling for international

01:16 help.

01:17 I write this as a hostage.

01:19 Niger is under attack from a military junta.

01:21 This coup attempt is a tragedy for Nigerians.

01:24 Its success would have a devastating consequence far beyond our borders.

01:29 Meanwhile, the chances of a peaceful solution look less likely by the day, despite the smiles

01:34 and handshakes with ECOWAS mediators and the military at Niamey airport last night.

01:39 The mission of West African leaders group left early without meeting the new self-declared

01:43 ruler or the toppled president.

01:45 If nothing changes by Sunday, ECOWAS is threatening military action.

01:50 The coup leaders, with support on the streets of the capital, claim they'll instantly retaliate.

01:55 Its leader, General Tionne, shows no sign of backing down.

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