Niger’s coup leaders announced early Tuesday their intention to establish a “negotiated framework” for the planned withdrawal of French troops from the West African country.
The new military regime, which ousted Niger’s democratically elected president exactly two months ago, stated in an overnight statement that the timeline for the withdrawal “must be defined through a negotiated framework and mutual agreement.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France would withdraw its ambassador from Niger, followed by the French military contingent in the coming months.
Macron stated that military cooperation was terminated, and French troops would withdraw over the coming months, with a complete withdrawal expected by the end of the year.
France maintains approximately 1,500 soldiers in its former colony as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel region.
Niger’s rulers, who have welcomed France’s announcement, stated that they are awaiting official action by French authorities to follow up on this announcement.
France, the former colonial power, has not recognized the authority of the military leaders and continues to demand the restoration of President Mohamed Bazoum.
