France has announced plans to initiate the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, with the process potentially beginning this week. The decision follows a diplomatic dispute between the two nations following a coup in Niger two months ago.
France initially declined to recognize the new military government in its former colony, leading to protests in the capital, Niamey. Despite a prolonged stay, France now appears eager to convey its intention to exit Niger as expeditiously as possible.
The first group to leave will be over 400 soldiers stationed near the Mali border, possibly starting the withdrawal on Thursday.
Additionally, approximately 1,000 troops are based in Niamey, where protesters have demanded their departure, claiming they failed to quell attacks by Islamist insurgents.
While the decline in terror attack-related deaths occurred in Niger last year, the extent of France’s role in achieving this while supporting Nigerien armed forces against Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked groups remains unclear. It’s too early to determine if their departure will worsen security.
Notably, the United States maintains a drone base in Niger, and Nigerien forces are among the best-trained in the region.
However, there have been numerous insurgent attacks since the coup, and the withdrawal of foreign forces from neighboring Mali has resulted in a significant uptick in violence.
Western powers have invested millions in security aid to Niger, considering it their last ally in the region.