PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Paris is going to end its military cooperation with Niger and withdraw its 1,500 troops from the African country by the end of the year following a military coup there in July, Western media reported on Sunday.
The move is a major blow to France’s counter-terrorism efforts and its influence in Africa’s Sahel region.
Macron in an interview with French media said France has decided to end its military cooperation with Niger and recall its ambassador from the African state.
Earlier Niger’s military rulers had asked French Ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country. However, the French government refused to comply with the order.
Bazoum, Niger’s legitimate leader
Macron said he still considers ousted President Mohammed Bazoum, held hostage by the coup leaders as the Niger’s legitimate leader.
In recent weeks thousands of people have staged protest demonstrations in the capital Niamey, including outside a French military base. Niger’s new rulers had been demanding the exit of the French ambassador and the withdrawal of troops after Macron rejected to recognize the coup.
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French President added that his country’s military presence in Niger was at the request of the country’s government at the time.
The regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has already imposed sanctions against Niger and warned for a military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore Bazoum were failed.
After the bloc’s threats, Niger’s military rulers got support from Mali and Burkina Faso.
