France to engage in dialogue with Niger over troop withdrawal..
France has shifted its rigid stance concerning the coup in the Niger Republic, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue with the junta regarding the withdrawal of its envoy and troops from the region.
President Emmanuel Macron announced that France intends to withdraw its ambassador from Niger, subsequently followed by the removal of its military contingent stationed in the country. France’s military presence in Niger comprises approximately 1,500 soldiers who have been involved in anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel region.
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Initially, in the aftermath of the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger in July, France maintained that its troops would remain in the West African nation, despite the antagonistic stance adopted by the junta.
President Macron stated during a televised interview on Sunday evening, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next few hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France.” This signifies France’s intention to pull its diplomatic presence out of Niger.
Furthermore, he affirmed that military cooperation between France and Niger had come to an end and that French troops would gradually withdraw in “the months and weeks to come,” with the complete withdrawal slated to conclude by the end of the year.
Macron also expressed a commitment to engage in peaceful consultations with the coup leaders in the coming weeks and months. He emphasized the desire for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
It’s worth noting that Niger’s military authorities had instructed the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to depart from the country, signaling a strain in diplomatic relations in the wake of the coup. France’s decision to engage in dialogue and withdraw its military presence represents a significant shift in its approach to the situation in the Niger Republic.
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