Niger’s military force had announced late Thursday night, October 6, that 400 French soldiers situated in the southwestern town of Ouallam would be the first to pack up in a withdrawal that is dealing an extended blow to France’s influence in the conflict-hit Sahel region.
The exit of French forces from Niger has been a main demand of the military officers who took over in July, making it one of a series of recent coups in West Africa’s Sahel area that has strongly reshaped its 10 year-long battle with insurgents affiliated to the al Qaeda and Islamic State.
France had initially resisted the coup, refusing to accept the legitimacy of the junta.
However, last month President Emmanuel Macron resolved to end the military cooperation with Niger and pull out all 1,500 French troops, leaving a gaping hole in the Western efforts to counter the insurgency.
The 400 French soldiers based in Ouallam will be the first to leave accorsing to the junta via a statement that was read out on national radio.
The junta had also revealed that an aerial base in the capital city, Niamey, where the majority of French soldiers were stationed, would be dismantled by the end of the year.
Since the coup, crowds of junta supporters have camped outside the Niamey base calling for the troops’ departure.
The crowds had also accused France of employing excessive influence and failing to resolve the insecurity crisis that has killed thousands and seen millions displaced across the region.
Meanwhile conflict has soared in Burkina Faso and Mali since both countries kicked out French troops in the wake of their coups in 2020-2022.
