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Join on Telegram Rabat – French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and troops from Niger in response to the July coup that ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Macron’s decision came after weeks of mounting pressure from the military and widespread popular protests in Niger’s capital Niamey, demanding the exit of French forces and diplomatic representation.
During a televised interview on Sunday, Macron declared, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France.”
He further stated that military cooperation was now over, and the approximately 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger would withdraw gradually over the next few months, with a complete withdrawal anticipated by the end of the year.
The coup on July 26th had led to a strained relationship between France and Niger, with Macron steadfastly refusing to recognize the new regime. Niger’s military rulers had been demanding the departure of the French ambassador and troops, asserting that their presence was an infringement on the nation’s sovereignty.
In response to Macron’s announcement, Niger’s new rulers issued a statement on national television, welcoming the decision.
“This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” the televised address said. “This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people.”
Read also: Morocco Stresses Importance of Maintaining Stability in Niger
This development also follows France’s recent calls for its troops to leave its former colonies, Mali and Burkina Faso, indicating a broader shift in France’s military presence across the Sahel region.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc, had imposed sanctions after the July coup and had even warned of potential military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore Bazoum to power proved unsuccessful.
However, as several countries have rallied behind the new military rulers in Niger, ECOWAS tempered its rhetoric.
A noteworthy development in the region occurred on September 16th when Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all of which have experienced coups in recent years, formed a mutual defense pact to counter potential threats of armed rebellion or external aggression.
