Niger/meeting between M. François Hollande, President of the Republic, and his Nigerien counterpart

The French President had a meeting with the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. The two heads of state welcomed the excellent relations between France and Niger in terms of development and security.

Regarding the fight against the terrorist cult Boko Haram, they noted the progress made by the countries in the region in weakening the group and called for regional cooperation to continue. François Hollande signalled France’s willingness to continue its logistical and intelligence support to the countries of the Lake Chad basin.

Regarding Mali, they called on the different armed groups which have not yet signed the Algiers agreement to do so without delay. The implementation of this agreement must enable substantial progress on development, security and decentralization. They signalled their concern following the attacks observed on the ground, targeting MINUSMA [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali] in particular.

They also discussed the issue of trafficking in the Sahel. The Nigerien President reiterated his willingness to work with the European Union on the issue of people-trafficking, given that Niger is a transit country on the way to Libya./.