France benefited economically from their time as a colonial power, and still relies on imports from Niger for elements of their economy.

In the 1960s, the Military of Niger was drawn entirely from Nigerien former members of the French Colonial Forces: officered by Frenchmen who agreed to take joint French-Nigerien citizenship.

[1] As well, the French had maintained until 1974 around 1000 troops of the 4th Régiment Interarmes d'Outre-Mer [2] (Troupes de Marine) with bases at Niamey, Zinder, Bilma and Agadez.

[5] While conflicts have developed and subsided between the two independent republics, France maintains a strong diplomatic presence in Niamey and several thousand French expatriates live across the nation.

France does not recognize de facto leadership of Niger, maintaining that Mohamed Bazoum is the legitimate leader.

In December 2023, it was announced that France intends to close its embassy in Niamey because it is unable to carry out diplomatic tasks due to restrictions imposed by the ruling junta.