Title: France: Bazoum is the Sole Legitimate Authority in Niger

The French Foreign Ministry stated today, Monday, that the only authority Paris recognizes in Niger is President Mohamed Bazoum. The ministry added in a statement received by Reuters, "Our priority is the safety of our citizens and our facilities, which cannot be targeted by violence according to international law." The military council that seized power in Niger last week stated today that the ousted government had given France a mandate to carry out strikes on the presidential palace in an attempt to free Bazoum.