France lends military support to Niger with 80 troops in north NiameyThe North Africa Journal- March 1, 2017: The recent attacks of jihadist groups along the border Mali and Niger are prompting the French military to send more troops allegedly to support the Nigerian army. Up to 80 troops, mostly Special Forces have been deployed in Tillaberi, two hours north of Niamey, Niger, a country that is struggling with Mujao (Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa) on one hand, and Boko Haram in the south, on the other hand. The French military presence in Niamey is substantial. French troops and assets there are being used as part of France’s Barkhane Operation, meant to secure the Sahel. In all, the French have 4,000 troops monitoring the borders of five countries, four Mirage 2000 jet fighters, five Reaper drones, and other assets.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 02, 2017 01:18 UTC