France’s shrinking footprint in Africa

Supporters of Niger’s coup leaders taking part in a rally at a stadium in Niamey. — Reuters

THE country’s president, a trusted ally of France, was taken hostage in the presidential palace by his own guards in late July.

Protesters massed at the French Embassy soon after, setting it on fire and shattering windows. A colonel in uniform appeared later on state television and announced that the military was ending its cooperation with France.