Macron announces France's plan to pull out troops from Niger by the end of the year
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of the 1,500 French troops deployed in Niger, who were engaged in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. Macron stated that the troops would be brought back in an organized manner by the conclusion of the year, as reported by local media.
He explained, "We are concluding our military collaboration with the de facto authorities of Niger as they no longer wish to combat terrorism."
Macron also expressed France's intention to engage in peaceful consultations with the military junta to ensure a smooth withdrawal process.
"We will continue our support for the African continent in the fight against terrorism, but we will do so only upon the request of democratically-elected authorities and regional bodies," stated Macron.
The French president also confirmed that the French ambassador to Niger would soon return to France.
Following the coup, the military junta in Niger had demanded the departure of the French ambassador, which France initially refused. However, the junta subsequently ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador at the end of August.
Relations between Niger and France deteriorated following the coup. France suspended visa issuance in Niger and carried out evacuations of its citizens, while Niger closed its airspace to all French-registered aircraft.
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