France begins withdrawing troops from Niger

France announced it would begin withdrawing troops from Niger this week, with 400 soldiers in the southwestern town of Ouallam being the first group to return home.

"The withdrawal of French troops and military equipment from Niger will begin this week. All French military personnel will return home before the end of the year," the French Armed Forces Agency said in a statement on October 5.

France added that it would coordinate with the Nigerien armed forces during the withdrawal. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure an orderly and safe withdrawal.

The Nigerien National Defense Council (CNSP), established by the military government, confirmed the French plan on the same day, adding that the decision was made at Niger's request, in order to "recover full sovereignty ".

"The 400 French soldiers stationed in Ouallam will be the first group to leave. The Niamey air base, where most of the French troops are stationed, will then be dismantled by the end of the year," the CNSP said.

Outside the French military base in Niamey, Niger, on September 8. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 24 that he would withdraw troops from Niger because the government there "no longer wants to deal with terrorism." Niger's military officials, meanwhile, declared that the country had reached "a new step forward in sovereignty."

France maintains about 1,500 troops in Niger to support the government of President Mohamed Bazoum in its fight against radical Islamists. However, relations between Niger and France have deteriorated since the Niger military staged a coup in late July.

Niger's military government then canceled military agreements with France and announced the expulsion of French ambassador Sylvain Itte. Itte initially refused to comply with orders from Niger's military authorities, but returned home in September after a statement from the French president.

Ngoc Anh (According to AA )

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