France to End Military Presence in Niger Amid Tensions with Junta
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France will withdraw its military presence from Niger by the end of 2023. This decision comes as tensions escalate between the two countries following the military junta’s seizure of power in Niger back in July.
Macron stated that the military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger would be terminated because they have shown a lack of commitment to fighting terrorism. France has not recognized Niger’s military leaders and continues to regard ousted President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate authority in the country.
The French president emphasized the importance of not involving themselves in Niger’s internal politics or becoming hostages of the coup leaders. The withdrawal of troops will be executed in an orderly manner in the upcoming weeks, with coordination between France and the military group responsible for the coup.
France had stationed approximately 1,500 troops in Niger, primarily engaged in counterterrorism missions. They believed Niger to be a relatively stable democracy in a region plagued by political unrest, terrorism, and Islamist insurgencies.
Macron’s announcement aligns with the United States’ consideration of withdrawing troops from Niger in the near future. Currently, around 1,100 US troops are stationed in the country, and up to half of them may be pulled out.
In addition to the withdrawal of military personnel, Macron also revealed that France’s ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, will be brought back to France. Itte had previously been prevented from leaving the French embassy in Niger, which Macron described as a hostage situation. Despite the junta’s orders for his departure, Itte remained in place as France did not recognize the authority of the military leaders.
The decision to withdraw troops and bring back the ambassador signals an escalation in tensions between France and Niger. The fate of diplomatic relations and the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region remain uncertain as both nations navigate this complex situation.
In conclusion, France’s decision to end its military presence in Niger by the end of 2023 reflects the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. The withdrawal highlights France’s rejection of Niger’s military authorities and its support for the ousted president. As tensions escalate, the impact on diplomatic relations and counterterrorism efforts remains to be seen.
