The French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, has apologized to the Nigerien population after arguing on Twitter with a user about Russia’s influence in the African country and the decline of the French presence in other countries on the continent.
The discussion took place three days ago in the context of the recent inauguration of a European photovoltaic plant partly financed by France in Gorou Banda, near the capital Niamey.
A Twitter user indicated to him that the country «prefers a cooperation with Russia, more respectful towards sovereignty, to which the diplomat replied: «Sovereignty over what? We would be delighted if Russia would announce its support for the efforts of the European Union and announce the construction of a power plant or provide water to the Nigerian population».
«Stop drinking water in Niamey, since it is European,» the diplomat added, in the comment that ended up sparking a controversy that the ambassador tried to settle this past Friday.
«Apologies to Nigerians I may have offended. «My wish was to emphasize that the Europeans are working with their Nigerien partners to serve the people of Niger. Of course, Niger’s water belongs to Nigeriens. My words have been deliberately distorted,» Itté has made it known.
This friction comes at a time when several African countries are openly expressing their discontent with the French presence on their territory, in what they describe as a neo-colonialist policy.
Mali is the best example of this situation. In May last year, the Malian junta announced the severance of all defense agreements with France citing violations of its sovereignty by French troops and a «deep deterioration of military cooperation,» while Bamako was leaning toward closer ties with Russia through, in part, the presence of mercenaries from the Wagner group — «military instructors,» according to Malian authorities.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
