France to withdraw troops from Niger in coming days

The military headquarters stated that the disengagement operation would be conducted "in good order, safely, and in coordination with the Nigeriens."

The decision comes a week after France's ambassador to Niamey returned home under pressure from the regime.

President Emmanuel Macron had previously declared on September 24 the withdrawal of 1,400 French troops "by the end of the year."

Approximately 400 French troops were stationed alongside local forces in northwestern Niger, near its borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.

The military headquarters emphasized that soldiers withdrawing from the area would require cover due to their exposed forward positions. This cover may involve air support from the larger force stationed at an airbase outside the capital Niamey.

Since the junta demanded the departure of French troops, there has been uncertainty among the soldiers, with irregular supplies of food and anti-French demonstrations occurring outside the Niamey base.

France had bolstered its presence in Niger after a military regime in Mali, born out of another coup, demanded the withdrawal of French forces. This reinforcement included the addition of armored vehicles and helicopters to the existing deployment of drones and fighter jets.

The withdrawal process presents logistical challenges for the French troops, as they may need to leave either via Benin to the south, which is at odds with the junta in Niamey, or through Chad to the east, where France's headquarters for the Sahel theater is located.

Currently, Niamey forbids French flights over its territory. (ILKHA)