France is planning to start moving its soldiers out of Niger beginning this week.
There was a problem between the two countries after a takeover in a country in West Africa two months ago.
France said it did not accept or recognize the new military government in the country that used to be its colony. This caused people to come out and protest in the capital city, Niamey.
After saying no for a long time, France now seems eager to convey that it wants to leave Niger as quickly as it can.
Over 400 soldiers near the border with Mali will be the first to leave, possibly starting Thursday.
An additional 1,000 soldiers are at a military base in Niamey. They are there because protesters have been staying there for many weeks, asking them to leave. The protesters believe that the soldiers have not been able to stop attacks by Islamist rebels.
Last year, fewer people died in terror attacks in Niger. However, it is not known how much the French helped Niger’s armed forces while fighting against groups connected to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
It is too soon to tell if their leaving will make security worse.
The United States still has a place to operate drones in that area, and the forces from Niger are some of the most well-prepared in the surrounding area.
Since the coup, there have been many attacks by rebels. In addition, violence has increased greatly because foreign forces left Mali.
Western countries have given a lot of money to Niger to help with security. Niger is the only country in the region that supports them.
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