Niger’s junta has stipulated a December 22 deadline for the remaining 157 French soldiers to conclude their withdrawal from the country.
The remaining predominantly comprise of logistical teams, as per the junta’s statement shared on X (previously Twitter). Reportedly, 1,346 French military personnel have already departed Niger.
Strained relations between France and Niger escalated after the July 26 coup, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, which ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum, a close ally of France.
France initiated the withdrawal of its troops from Niger in October, prompted by the junta’s demand for their departure, accusing France of attempting to forcibly reinstall President Bazoum.
The military leadership has further announced intentions to terminate certain historical military and economic agreements with Paris.
Niger had been considered a crucial ally in the West’s anti-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. France’s influence in the region has dwindled amid a series of coups in several of its former colonies.
Source-BBC
