Image Credit: Quirinale
France has announced the withdrawal of its 1,500 troops from Niger by the end of the year, following a coup that took place on July 26, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron also stated that France will withdraw its ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, in the coming hours. This decision comes after weeks of pressure from the junta and popular protests in Niger.
While France refused to recognize the junta as Niger's legitimate authority, Macron mentioned that Paris would coordinate the troop withdrawal with the coup leaders to ensure an orderly transition.
The move is seen as a significant setback for French influence in the Sahel region and raises concerns about Russia's expanding presence in Africa. Russia's Wagner mercenary force is already present in Mali, Niger's neighbor.
Niger's military rulers responded by praising the move as a step toward the sovereignty of Niger. The coup leaders seized power by overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
France's influence in its former colonies in West Africa has been declining in recent years, and its forces have been expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso following coups in those countries. The coup in Niger disrupted France's role in the fight against Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel region.
The decision to withdraw troops and the ambassador is expected to have significant geopolitical implications in the region
