Today: 23 June 2025
25 September 2023
2 mins read

France to end military presence in Niger

Macron also announced that he has decided to bring back the country’s Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, to France. He said, “France has decided to bring back its ambassador…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday announced that Paris will end its military presence in Niger by the end of 2023, CNN reported.

He also announced that he has decided to bring back the country’s Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, to France

The development comes amid high tensions between the two nations since the military junta seized power in Niger in July.

Macron said, “We are putting an end to our military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger because they don’t want to fight terrorism anymore,” CNN reported.

The decision to end the “cooperation” has been taken “because we are not there to deal with internal politics and be hostages of putschists,” the French President said while referring to the military group. He announced that the withdrawal would take place in the coming weeks.

“They will come back in an orderly manner in the weeks and months to come, and for that, we will coordinate with the putschists because we want this to happen calmly,” Macron said.

Asked about the timeline of withdrawal, Macron said that there will not be any French soldiers in Niger by the end of 2023.

Macron also announced that he has decided to bring back the country’s Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, to France. He said, “France has decided to bring back its ambassador,” CNN reported.

He further said, “In the coming hours, our ambassador along with several diplomats will return to France.” His decision comes over a week after Macron said the French Ambassador was “literally being held hostage at the French embassy.” He further said that the “food was prevented from being delivered” to the embassy in Niger’s Niamey.

French troops have been stationed in Niger, many of whom were there to assist with counterterrorism missions, on the basis that Niger was a relatively stable democracy in a region that faces problems like political upheaval and terrorism, CNN has reported. Some 1500 French troops have been stationed in Niger.

Notably, France has not recognized Niger’s military authorities and stressed that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains the country’s only legitimate authority.

After the coup in July, Niger military junta has asked Sylvain Itte to leave the country. It later revoked his visa and ordered police to expel him. However, the diplomat continued to stay in Niger. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Nigeria’s opposition appeals election verdict

Previous Story

Ather Energy’s Losses Surge Amidst EV Boom

Next Story

Pokemon GO Creator Niantic Aims High in India

Latest from -Top News

Oman Breaks Gulf Taboo on Income Tax

There is no other country in the 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council that imposes income tax….reports Asian Lite News Oman has officially become the first Gulf country to introduce a personal income tax,

Fresh Israeli Raids Hit Iran

The strikes came shortly after Iran fired a missile at Israel before dawn and triggered air raid sirens across much of the country….reports Asian Lite News Israel conducted a new wave of

Netanyahu: Iran Goals Near

Netanyahu pledged not to let Israel get dragged into a “war of attrition” with Tehran…reports Asian Lite News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Sunday that Israel is “very close” to

Khamenei Vows Payback

Calling the attacks “a big crime,” Khamenei warned of retaliation….reports Asian Lite News Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday, in his first reaction following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear

US committed great crime: Iran

Iran has now called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and demanded the IAEA Board of Governors address the situation….reports Asian Lite News Iran has strongly condemned the United
Go toTop

Don't Miss

France submits response to India for 26 Rafale Marine deal

India will now negotiate the deal with French government officials,

Paris Hosts UAE-France High-Level Business Plenary

Dr. Sultan affirmed the aspiration to continue cooperation to implement