The junta had ordered Ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country within 48 hours at the end of August in response to what they called actions by France "contrary to the interests of Niger." France refused to recognize the coup leaders and ignored the order, triggering daily protests in front of the French embassy.

French President Emmanuel Macron said this month that Itte and his staff were effectively being held hostage at the embassy. Over the weekend, Macron said the ambassador was being pulled out and would return to France. He also announced the withdrawal of 1,500 French troops.

The standoff between France and Niger is the latest sign of the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups have been gaining ground. France has deployed troops to the region to help fight the armed groups, but its presence has been controversial. (ILKHA)