Niger: French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Niamey December 22

Event

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Niamey on Sunday, December 22, and meet Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou. Both president will attend a remembrance ceremony in the memory of the 71 Nigeriens soldiers who lost their lives following the Tuesday, December 10, Inates’ attack.

Macron and Issoufou are expected to discuss plans for a future summit in Pau (scheduled for January 13 2020), located in southwestern France, where the French President will meet G5 Sahel leaders to discuss policies and security matters in West Africa.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions, such as road closures, are likely in Niamey during the visit.

Context

Macron’s visit to Niger will follow his official visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where he will spend time with French military forces and meet Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The attack on Inates’ military camp, where 71 Nigerien soldiers lost their lives, was claimed by the Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Advice

Individuals in Niamey are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate traffic disruptions resulting from heightened security measures.