Faith Nyasuguta
The withdrawal of all French soldiers deployed in Niger, as part of the fight against jihadism, is set to conclude by December 22, according to the military regime that assumed power in a coup in Niamey. This marks the final phase of a departure process that commenced in October.
The announcement solidifies a profound rupture between France and Niger since the military generals took control in Niamey on July 26.
Promptly, they demanded the departure of the 1,500 French soldiers engaged in counterterrorism efforts and criticized various military agreements with Paris.
After a protracted standoff, France acquiesced, and President Emmanuel Macron declared that the withdrawal would be finalized by the year’s end.
On Tuesday, the Nigerien military confirmed that the disengagement of French troops was proceeding in a coordinated manner and complete safety.
As of now, 1,346 French troops and 80% of logistical equipment have been withdrawn from the borders. Only 157 French soldiers remain in Niger, including 75 logisticians. The initial convoy of French soldiers left the country on October 10.
Since the coup d’état that ousted the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling generals in Niger have been progressively severing ties established by the deposed regime with certain Western partners.
In early December, Niamey terminated two European Union (EU) civilian and military security and defense missions while welcoming a Russian delegation.
Simultaneously, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, all under military rule, have been collaborating since the coup. These countries, plagued by jihadist violence, withdrew from the G5 Sahel anti-jihadist organization in early December, following Mali’s decision last year.
Niger, grappling with jihadist attacks linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, faced sustained economic and financial sanctions from other West African countries within Ecowas after the coup. The sanctions remain in place, contingent on a “short transition.”
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, attending an Ecowas summit, met Niger’s military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
Additionally, the new US ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, is set to present credentials, as international NGOs working in Niger advocate for eased sanctions and emergency humanitarian aid through neighboring Benin.
Despite appeals from the humanitarian community, Ecowas has maintained the sanctions, with more than 4.3 million people in Niger deemed to be in urgent need of assistance.
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