NIAMEY, NIGER — Niger’s army announced on Tuesday that the ongoing withdrawal of French troops involved in an anti-jihadist mission in the country will be completed by December 22.
The move follows Niger’s military rulers terminating defense agreements with France, its traditional security partner, in the aftermath of a coup in July that strained relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously declared that the forces would exit the country by the end of the year, with the first contingent leaving in October.
“In a coordinated and secure manner, all French soldiers and their logistical support will have departed Niger for good by December 22,” stated the army in a release.
Reports from Niger media indicate that 1,346 French troops and 80% of their logistical equipment have already left, leaving only 157 soldiers behind.
Under the new leadership in Niger, security cooperation with Western partners, previously established under ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has been scaled back. Instead, the country is fostering closer ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are under military rule.
All three Sahel nations are grappling with prolonged and violent insurgencies led by rebels associated with either Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group.
Last week, neighboring West African countries agreed in Nigeria to uphold sanctions imposed against Niger over the coup, conditioning any relief on a swifter transition to civilian rule.
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