France bows to Niger’s demand, decides to withdraw ambassador, troops

President Emmanuel Macron has said that France would soon withdraw its ambassador from Niger Republic, followed by its military contingent.

France finally bowed to Niger’s demands and announced it would soon withdraw its ambassador from Niger, and its military contingent later on.

Ties between Niger and former colonial power have turned sour since the July coup. The Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) cancelled security and defense agreements between the two sides.

The colonial power had kicked against the military leaders that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger and insisted on the reinstatement of the elected President.

In August, Niger’s military leaders gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave the country. However, the ultimatum passed with him still in place as the French government refused to comply, or to recognize the military regime as legitimate.

In the wake of the coup, France had also said its troops, about 1,500 soldiers, would remain in the West African nation despite hostilities by the junta.

However, on Sunday evening, the French President said that France has decided to withdraw its ambassador and several diplomats, that military cooperation was over and that French troops would withdraw in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pull out by the end of the year.

“In the weeks and months to come, we will consult with the putschists, because we want this to be done peacefully,” he added.