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France has announced the end of its military presence in Niger, with the withdrawal of some 1,500 French troops by the end of the year.
The departure of the first contingent of French military troops, based in Niger, began Tuesday under the escort of Niger's defense and security forces, the African country's junta announced.
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According to press reports, a convoy of soldiers arrived in Niamey at midday Tuesday, along with trucks carrying material and armored vehicles. A plane carrying French material and a first group of priority military personnel also took off from Niamey on Monday.
Close sources indicate that the French convoys are heading for Chad, crossing more than 1,600 kilometers of roads and tracks to reach the capital, N'Djamena, where the command center of the French forces in the Sahel is located.
An official statement released on national television says the French side has agreed to the timetable, calling for "vigilance and a sense of responsibility on the part of each of us to ensure a peaceful passage of these contingents."
Nigeriens chant "Down with #France!" as French soldiers leave their base in the African country.
— Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) October 11, 2023
�� A convoy of French soldiers has left a base in the town of Ayorou in southwestern Niger and arrived in the capital #Niamey for further transfer, an official said.#Niger #Africa pic.twitter.com/fhR5wqfUro
The French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, left the African country in September at the request of the Nigerien military junta following the July coup.
France has announced the end of its military presence in Niger, with the withdrawal of some 1,500 French troops by the end of the year.
The French Joint Defense Staff announced last Friday in a press release that the withdrawal of French troops and military assets stationed in Niger would begin this week.
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