Macron says France to withdraw troops from Niger Republic by year ending

Emmanuel Macron, French President says that the country will withdraw its troops from the West African nation of Niger by the end of this year.

The decision comes in the wake of a military coup that occurred in July, resulting in the ousting of pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum and the establishment of a junta.

France is Niger’s former colonial power and continues to deploy its troops there. However, the military rulers have increased opposition against the European nation.

Macron said in an interview with French TV stations on Sunday that France decided to end its military cooperation with Niger.

He added that French troops will return home by the end of the year. There are reportedly about 1,500 French personnel in Niger.

Macron also said that the French ambassador to Niger will return to France in the coming hours.

The president reiterated his refusal to recognize the military rulers as a legitimate authority.

In recent years, West Africa has seen a spate of military coups and worsening relations with Western nations.

France was forced to pull its troops out of Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which border Niger.

Military rulers in those countries have deepened their ties with Russia. Western nations are wary of Russia’s growing influence in the region.