France has announced the initiation of the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, following a deteriorating relationship with the military junta that took power in a late July coup.
The withdrawal process is anticipated to span three months and will be carried out in a coordinated and orderly manner, according to the military headquarters.
Tensions between France and the junta escalated when France’s ambassador to Niamey returned to France under pressure from the regime.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously declared the withdrawal of 1,400 French troops “by the end of the year” as part of France’s broader campaign against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Approximately 400 French troops were stationed alongside local forces in the northwestern town of Ouallam, near Niger’s borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
READ ALSO: Zamfara Governor visits FUDUS, assures safe rescue of abducted students
This region, often referred to as the “three borders” zone, has been a known stronghold for the Islamic State group.
To ensure the safe withdrawal of troops from this exposed area, it is suggested that they may require air support, which could be provided by the larger French force stationed at an airbase outside the capital city of Niamey.
The French troops had been living under uncertain conditions since the junta demanded their departure, facing irregular supplies of food and frequent anti-French demonstrations outside the Niamey base.
France had bolstered its presence in Niger after a previous military regime in Mali called for the withdrawal of French forces.
Theyhad introduced armored vehicles and helicopters in addition to the existing drones and fighter jets.
READ ALSO: FG to support local manufacturers with N75bn
The withdrawal of French troops from Niger will necessitate finding an exit route, which could involve traveling through Benin to the south or Chad to the east, where France’s Sahel theatre headquarters is located.
Currently, the junta in Niamey prohibits French flights over its territory, further complicating the situation.