CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 NIGER'S FOREIGN POLICY TO
FRANCE (1974 - 1987)
4.1 INTRODUCTION
As soon as a state gains independence, it faces the problems
of relation with other states, its neighbors with whom it may share common
values, with the world bodies, with big powers and with its former metropolitan
powers. It has to formulate and define the concepts of national interest and
goals. National interests and goals have been defined as objectives, which a
state ought to achieve, maintain, defend, and propagate.
Another set of problems usually faced by the newly
independent states, is the recognition of the old boundaries created by the
former colonial powers and matters incidental thereto, as well as raising and
maintaining an army capable of defending the present boundaries and quashing
any internal disorder or rebellion. Equally important to them, is aid and
grants from them, and trade with other states including their former rulers.
The colonial powers may have provided them with a pattern of behaviour.
But this pattern of behaviour served the interest of the
colonial powers more then the interest of the colonies.
As regards aid, grants and trade, the newly independent
states may have to look towards potential or ideological enemies of their
former colonial masters. Thus, foreign relations of the newly independent
states may be drastically different and diametrically opposed to those of the
former colonial powers.
Niger gained independence on August 3rd, 1960 from
France. Since the conduct of foreign policy of Niger was highly personalized by
President Hamani Diori (1960 - 1974) and because foreign policy debates in the
National Assembly were indeed very rare, one is therefore, obliged to look into
the statements or communiqués issued after the president himself (Hamani
Diori) participated.
Niger's foreign policy pronouncements when summarized
emphasize the following principles:
- An endeavor to improve the economic and social conditions of
Niger's people.
- To defend and maintain territorial integrity
- To express solidarity with Francophone Africa countries
- To promote Pan Africanism and to strengthen mutual
functional cooperation with its neighbors.
- To make efforts for the emancipation of Africa from
racialism and colonialism
- To ensure a non-alignment policy in world politics with
emphasis on special relations with France.
Niger's foreign policy pronouncement and practice have been
guided by the above-mentioned principles.
When the military took over power from Hamani Diori on April
15th, 1974, the status quo did not witness any fundamental shift. The new head
of state, Lt. Colonel (Later General) Seyni Kountché could not change
government's foreign policy stance as he was occupied with the huge task of
resolving the domestic problems such as the drought situation, to modify the
former agreement with France to suit Niger's interest, and to obtain a better
deal for Uranium exploitation.
In France, President Georges Pompidou died on April 2nd, 1974.
On May 19th, 1974; Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's election to the presidency
brought an end to the Gaullist era. The special secretariat for Africa and
Malagasy Affairs in the «champs Elysées» palace was abolished.
Gaullist inspired special relations with Francophone Africa ceased. A new era
was ushered in.
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