EBN – French President Emmanuel Macron declared France’s termination of military presence in Niger and the imminent recall of its ambassador.
The move comes in response to the overthrow of Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, in a coup.
This announcement represents a momentous shift in France’s strategy in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region.
In recent years, French forces had gradually withdrawn from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso following coups there.
These troops had been stationed at the request of African leaders to counter jihadist groups.
France had maintained approximately 1,500 troops in Niger since the July coup, repeatedly resisting demands from the new junta for its ambassador’s departure, asserting the illegitimacy of the coup leaders.
France Withdraws
In a televised interview, President Macron disclosed that he had engaged in direct conversation with the ousted President.
Additionally, Macron conveyed France’s decision to recall its ambassador.
“France has decided to bring back its ambassador,” said the French president. “in the coming hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France.”
Furthermore, France will terminate its military collaboration with the Nigerian authorities. The gradual withdrawal of troops is expected to conclude by the end of this year.
Macron stressed that France’s military presence in Niger had been in response to a request from the Nigerien government.
Military cooperation between the two countries had already been suspended since the coup.
The junta leaders had alleged that Bazoum’s administration failed to adequately safeguard the country from insurgency.
Niger Coup Leaders Take Action
In August, the junta had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to French Ambassador Sylvain Itte to vacate Niger.
Following France’s failure to comply, the coup leaders revoked his diplomatic immunity.
The junta is currently grappling with sanctions imposed by Western and regional African powers in response to the coup.
Furthermore, the military administration that took control in Niger accused UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of obstructing Niger’s full participation in the UN’s annual assembly of world leaders.
They added that Guterres had done so to appease France and its allies. Moreover, they highlighted the growing diplomatic tensions arising from the coup.
As France revaluates its role in the region, the repercussions of these actions remain to be seen.
