French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Sunday that France will terminate its military operations in Niger and recall its ambassador. This move follows Niger’s coup, wherein its democratically elected president was overthrown.
This decision resonates with France’s recent strategic shifts in Africa, as it had withdrawn troops from neighboring nations, Mali and Burkina Faso, in the aftermath of coups in those regions. Historically, France had deployed several thousands of troops across these territories at the behest of local leaders to counter jihadist threats.
Even post the coup in July, France sustained a strong military footprint in Niger with approximately 1,500 troops. In defiance of the junta’s demand for the French ambassador to depart, France remained firm, not recognizing the coup leaders as the legitimate ruling body.
Friction between France and its former colony, Niger, has been escalating. Reports indicate that due to the prevailing tensions, French diplomats had been surviving on military provisions within the confines of the embassy.
During an appearance on France-2 television, Macron revealed his recent conversation with the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, informing him of France’s decision to repatriate its ambassador. “In the imminent future, our ambassador along with several other diplomats will make their return to France,” Macron stated, further asserting the termination of military ties with Niger’s current administration.
While the French military presence in Niger had originally been at the nation’s behest, this cooperation was halted post the coup. The military junta contended that Bazoum’s administration was inadequately addressing the country’s insurgent threats.
Highlighting the intensifying strain between both nations, in August, the junta provided French Ambassador Sylvain Itte with a 48-hour ultimatum to exit the country. Upon France’s non-compliance, the coup leaders subsequently nullified his diplomatic immunity.
The present junta faces sanctions from Western countries as well as regional African powers.
