As part of the ongoing shift in dynamics since the military coup in Niamey, the military regime in Niger has declared that all French soldiers involved in the anti-jihadism efforts will exit the country by 22 December. This marks the final phase of a departure process that commenced in October.
The announcement comes amid strained relations between France and Niger following the coup on July 26, where the newly empowered generals swiftly called for the withdrawal of the 1,500 French soldiers engaged in the fight against jihadists. Additionally, they criticized and nullified several military agreements previously established with Paris.
After a prolonged standoff, France acquiesced to the demands, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming that the troop withdrawal would be finalized by the year’s end.
Providing an update on the progress, the Nigerien armed forces stated, “By 22 December, all French soldiers and their logistical equipment will have definitively left Niger.” According to a report on Niger’s national television station, Télé Sahel, on Tuesday evening, “1,346 French troops and 80% of logistical equipment have been disengaged from our borders. To date, only 157 French soldiers remain on our territory, including 75 logisticians.”
The departure process, carried out in a coordinated and secure manner, began with the first convoy of French soldiers leaving the country on 10 October.
