France withdraws ambassador from Niger

Speaking on France 2 and TF1 television channels, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would withdraw all diplomatic staff from Niger's capital, Niamey.

“France has decided to return the Ambassador and the diplomatic staff to France in the next few hours. We have also decided to suspend military cooperation with the current Niger government. This will be implemented in the coming weeks,” President Emmanuel Macron said.

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that he does not want French diplomatic officials to become hostages of the military government. (Photo: France Info)

President Emmanuel Macron stressed that he did not want French diplomatic officials to become hostages of the military government, and affirmed that he would not intervene with the intention of interfering in political life in Niger.

According to Mr. Macron, France has ended the "Francafrique" policy which is imbued with colonial behavior towards Africa and the current French presence in Niger and Africa is carried out at the request of countries in the region to conduct the fight against terrorism.

Following statements of non-cooperation from the Niger military government, 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger will be gradually withdrawn by the end of the year.

Relations between France and Niger have become tense after the military coup that took place two months ago (July 26). The coup forces then established a provisional government and continuously demanded that France recall its ambassador, withdraw 1,500 soldiers from Niger and cancel previously signed defense cooperation agreements despite France's objections.

Manh Ha (VOV-Paris)

Source: https://vtc.vn/phap-rut-dai-su-ra-khoi-niger-ar822310.html