Niger coup authorities welcome French troop withdrawal

Niger’s junta issued a statement on the country’s national television on the evening of the 24th, welcoming France’s decision to withdraw its troops from Niger and recall its ambassador.

The statement said that France’s decision “proves the Nigerien people’s firm determination and will to defend their sovereignty.”

French President Macron announced in a TV interview on the evening of the 24th that the French troops stationed in Niger will withdraw before the end of this year, and the French ambassador to Niger will return to France as soon as possible.

The coup authorities in Niger issued a statement on Aug. 25, requiring the French ambassador to Niger to leave the country within 48 hours.

The French side stated that the Nigerien coup authorities had no right to ask the French ambassador to leave the country.

Niger was a French colony.

According to reports, France currently has about 1,500 troops stationed in Niger.

On July 26, some soldiers from the Niger Presidential Guard detained President Bazoum.

Late that night, military representatives from the coup announced on Niger’s national television the establishment of a National Committee for the Defense of the Motherland, the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power, and a military regime to take over national affairs.

France does not recognise the military junta in Niger.

On Sept. 10, when answering questions from the media at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Macron said that if France wanted to adjust its military presence in Niger, it would only coordinate with the legitimate government of Niger, not the coup soldiers.