In the aftermath of the July coup that ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and troops from Niger.

Macron stated in a televised interview on Sunday, France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France.” He also emphasized that military cooperation had come to an end and that the 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger would gradually withdraw over the coming months and weeks, with a full pullout expected “by the end of the year.

The decision to exit Niger follows a period of mounting pressure from both the military and public demonstrations. Recent weeks have seen thousands of protests in the capital, Niamey, with some demonstrations taking place outside a military base where French soldiers were stationed.

Niger’s new ruling authorities, who had been advocating for France’s departure after Macron’s refusal to acknowledge the July 26 coup, welcomed the French president’s announcement. In a statement broadcast on national television, they expressed, “This Sunday, we celebrate a new step toward Niger’s sovereignty. This is a historic moment, reflecting the determination and will of the Nigerien people.

This development occurs as France’s troops have also been asked to leave its former colonies, Mali and Burkina Faso.

According to sources, reporting from Dakar, Senegal, noted, “This is unquestionably a small victory for the transitional government and potentially an uncomfortable situation for the French, who have now been requested to leave Mali, Burkina Faso, and, for the third time, a Sahel country by the government in power.

Source added, The French ambassador has essentially been confined within the embassy, with Niger security forces preventing anyone from entering or leaving. He has been reliant on food rations inside the embassy.

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