France To End Military Presence In Niger Year-End Amid Tension With Junta.
By Caroline Ameh
French President, Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France would withdraw its military presence from Niger by the end of 2023, citing a breakdown in anti-terrorism cooperation with the military junta in control of the country since July, 2023. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing tension between the two nations.
Macron emphasized the cessation of military cooperation, stating, “We are putting an end to our military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger because they don’t want to fight terrorism anymore.” France has not recognized Niger’s military authorities and continues to assert that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains the legitimate President.
The French leader clarified that the decision to withdraw was prompted by a desire to avoid involvement in internal politics and to prevent becoming hostages of the military group. The withdrawal will be executed in an orderly manner in the coming weeks and months, with coordination between France and the junta to ensure a peaceful transition.
Macron also confirmed that there would be no French soldiers in Niger by the end of 2023. This announcement follows reports that the United States is also considering withdrawing troops from Niger in the near future.
In a related development, Macron revealed that France would recall its ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, to France. This decision comes after Macron previously described the ambassador as “literally being held hostage at the French embassy” and noted disruptions to the embassy’s food supply.
After the July coup in Niger, the military junta ordered Ambassador Itte to leave the country and later revoked his visa. Despite these actions, the diplomat remained in place, with French authorities asserting their non-recognition of the junta’s authority. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna affirmed that Ambassador Itte would stay as long as deemed necessary, emphasizing that his return to France was President Macron’s prerogative.
