Niger’s military-junta-appointed prime minister said today that “talks” are under way for French forces based in his country to withdraw “quickly”, while expressing hope that he will maintain a “partnership” with France.

Recalling that his government Niger denounced the military accords with Paris, Ali Mahaman Lamin Zain said that French forces were “illegally” in his country and that “the ongoing talks will allow them to leave very quickly.”

“What we are interested in is, if possible, maintaining a partnership with a country with which we share so many things,” he added, at the press conference he gave.

THE France it does not recognize as legitimate the military junta that took over Niger after the July 26 coup. About 1,500 French soldiers are stationed in Niger, taking part in the effort to counter the jihadists, as part of bilateral military agreements. On August 3, however, the military denounced many of these deals and subsequently revoked the diplomatic immunity of the French ambassador in Niamey and demanded that he leave the country.

France insists it does not recognize the new authorities and will not implement their decisions, whether they concern the soldiers or its ambassador.

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people took part in demonstrations in Niamey, calling for the withdrawal of French forces.