France Withdraws Troops and Ambassador from Niger Amid Coup Fallout

France’s Notable Decision

French President Emmanuel Macron has made a noteworthy and expected decision to pull out French troops from Niger and summon the French ambassador in response to the recent coup that ousted Niger’s legitimately elected president.

Impact on French Policy in Africa

This declaration signifies a considerable setback for France’s African policy, following the withdrawal of French forces from Mali and Burkina Faso in response to coups in those countries over the past few years. France had deployed thousands of troops to the region, primarily to combat jihadist groups, at the request of African leaders.

Escalating Diplomatic Standoff

Tensions had been on the rise between France and Niger, a former French colony, in recent weeks. France had stationed approximately 1,500 troops in Niger since the July coup. The French government had refused to comply with the junta’s order for its ambassador to depart, citing its non-recognition of the coup leaders as legitimate.

Keep Reading

Macron’s Announcement

During a televised interview, Macron disclosed that he had conversed with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and conveyed France’s decision to recall its ambassador and terminate military collaboration with Niger’s authorities. The gradual withdrawal of troops is anticipated to conclude by year-end.

Macron underscored that France’s military presence in Niger was in response to a request from the Nigerien government at that time.

Suspension of Military Cooperation

Military cooperation between France and Niger has been suspended since the coup. The junta leaders had accused Bazoum’s government of insufficient efforts to safeguard the nation against insurgency.

Diplomatic Tensions on the Rise

In August, the junta gave French Ambassador Sylvain Itte a 48-hour ultimatum to depart. Following France’s failure to recall him by the deadline, the coup leaders revoked his diplomatic immunity. The junta is now facing sanctions from Western and regional African powers.

Accusations at the United Nations

At the United Nations’ annual gathering of global leaders in New York, the military government that seized power in Niger accused U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of obstructing Niger’s full participation in the event. They alleged that this was done to appease France and its allies.

TAGS:
Tags: Niger
fatima

Recent Posts

South Africa’s Inflation Holds Steady as Central Bank Decision Looms

The government's statistics regulator showed that South African inflation stayed at 3.2% during February and rose below the projected 3.3%.…

March 19, 2025

Africa’s Energy Future Takes Center Stage at AEW 2025

Keywords: Cape Town, African Energy Chamber, Africa,  The 2025 African Energy Week (AEW) will host the top energy leaders from…

March 19, 2025

Africa’s Green Hydrogen Revolution: A Path to Energy Independence

Recent research shows that Professor Abdessamad Faik believes Africa is at an important energy choice point as renewable-powered hydrogen allows…

March 18, 2025

US Threatens to Close Johannesburg Consulate Over Street Renaming

The United States plans to shut down its Johannesburg consulate after Sandton Drive gets renamed to Leila Khaled Drive even…

March 18, 2025

Africa’s Green Energy Push Aims to Electrify 570 Million Lives

The push toward renewable energy in Africa helps the 570 million people who currently live without reliable power access. Many…

March 17, 2025

Algeria Ramps Up Final Preparations for IATF2025 Trade Fair

The Algerian government prepares the hosting facilities for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, which will open its doors on September…

March 17, 2025