President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France will end its military presence in Niger and pull its ambassador out of the country following a coup that deposed the democratically elected president.
This announcement is a significant blow to France’s policy in Africa, as they had previously withdrawn troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso after coups in those countries. France had deployed thousands of troops in the region to combat jihadist groups at the request of African leaders.
Since the coup in July, France has maintained around 1,500 troops in Niger and had refused the new junta’s order to recall its ambassador, citing the illegitimacy of the coup leaders. Tensions have been escalating between France and Niger, and Macron revealed that French diplomats were surviving on military rations while barricaded in the embassy.
During an interview with France-2 television, Macron stated that he spoke to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and informed him of France’s decision to recall the ambassador and diplomats. Additionally, France will end its military cooperation with the Niger authorities, with the gradual withdrawal of troops expected to be completed by the end of the year.
This military cooperation between France and Niger was suspended following the coup, as the junta leaders claimed that Bazoum’s government failed to adequately protect the country from the insurgency. The junta had previously ordered the French ambassador to leave within 48 hours, and when France did not comply, they revoked his diplomatic immunity.
The junta is now facing sanctions from Western and regional African powers.
In New York, the military government accused U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of “obstructing” Niger’s full participation at the U.N.’s annual meeting to appease France and its allies.
France’s decision to withdraw its military and ambassador from Niger marks a significant shift in their policy in Africa and sends a strong message to the coup leaders. While France had previously stationed troops in the region to combat jihadist groups, this move highlights their commitment to democratic principles and refusal to recognize illegitimate leaders. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the situation in Niger and the fight against insurgency in the region.
