France has announced that it will withdraw some of its 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger. At the weekend, numerous supporters of the putschists demonstrated again for the withdrawal of French troops.
After the military government in Niger demanded a withdrawal of French soldiers, Paris is planning a partial withdrawal. “The exchange regarding the withdrawal of some military forces has begun,” said the French Defense Ministry in Paris. Details about the scope and a schedule were not given. France currently has around 1,500 soldiers stationed in the West African country.
At the end of July, the Nigerien military overthrew the previous president Mohamed Bazoum. France, in line with other Western and African states, does not recognize the new rulers. At the beginning of August they canceled several defense agreements with France. Since then, French soldiers have stopped supporting the Nigerien armed forces.
The partial withdrawal could primarily affect soldiers who are responsible for maintaining the material that is no longer in use, including fighter pilots, helicopters and drones, as the ministry said. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, appointed by the military, said on Monday that the talks should lead to a withdrawal of French soldiers “very quickly.” But Niger wants to “if possible continue to work together with the country with which we have so much in common,” he said.
Thousands of Nigeriens demonstrated for withdrawal
On Saturday, thousands of Nigeriens demonstrated in front of French bases in the country and demanded the withdrawal of French soldiers. Part of the armed forces is stationed at an air base near the capital Niamey, where the Bundeswehr also has its own air operations area. The remaining French soldiers are stationed in Ouallam and Ayorou, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
Niamey’s relations with Paris had deteriorated noticeably after the former colonial power sided with the deposed president. Most recently, the military revoked the diplomatic immunity of the French ambassador in Niamey and ordered the police to expel the diplomat. However, France has kept its ambassador in the country for the time being.