French Military Forces Complete Withdrawal From Niger
The French Army General Staff announced the completion of the withdrawal of its forces from Niger at the order of France’s President Emmanuel Macron. The process kicked off on October 10 and concluded on Friday (December 21).
Emmanuel Macron had issued the order for the withdrawal of French troops from the African country in early October in response to the military takeover in Niger and the ousting of Mohamed Bazoum, the deposed president of the African country, and a decree by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
The military council of Niger considered the complete withdrawal of French soldiers from the African country as the beginning of a new era for the people of Niger and emphasized that the security of Niger will no longer be dependent on foreign military presence. Concurrent with this withdrawal, the French embassy in Niger’s capital city Niamey will also be closed for an indefinite period.
Read more: France To Withdraw From Niger; French Embassy, Military Bases To Be Evacuated!
Tensions between the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger and the French government arose after France condemned the military takeover in Niger and called for the return of Mohamed Bazoum to power. The military authorities in Niger subsequently suspended military agreements with France and demanded the pullout of 1,500 French soldiers from their country.
Read more: Coup In Niger; France In Turmoil
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