French President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of France's ambassador and troops from Niger Republic, marking a milestone in the ongoing political turmoil following the July coup that ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
France, a key ally to Niger and a nation that maintained a substantial military presence of 1,500 troops in the region, has been a central player in the recent crisis. Responding to the coup, Macron had initially declined a request from the new military rulers to recall the French ambassador.
This decision comes against the backdrop of persistent protests in the capital, Niamey, with demonstrators gathering outside a military base housing French soldiers. Their demand was clear - the removal of the French ambassador and troops, a call stemming from Macron's refusal to recognize the coup.
In a televised interview on Sunday, September 24, Macron confirmed the immediate withdrawal of French troops and the ambassador from Niger. He stated, "France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France." Macron went further, revealing that military cooperation was terminated and that French troops would gradually withdraw over the coming months, with the goal of a complete pullout by year's end.
During his interview, Macron expressed his unwavering support for President Bazoum, asserting that Bazoum remained the "sole legitimate authority" in Niger and had been targeted by the coup due to his courageous reform efforts. He characterized the coup as a manifestation of ethnic tensions and political cowardice, further underlining his commitment to democracy and stability in the region.
This development also has implications for regional politics, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had previously imposed sanctions in response to the July coup. ECOWAS had even warned of potential military intervention if diplomatic efforts to reinstate Bazoum failed. However, as regional countries rallied behind the new military rulers, ECOWAS's stance has evolved, raising questions about the future of the crisis and the wider geopolitical implications for West Africa.
As Niger stands at a crossroads, the departure of the French consulate signifies a major shift in the political landscape, leaving both the military junta and President Bazoum's supporters to grapple with the implications of this decision for the nation's future.
