France's Military Withdrawal from Niger Accelerated: Macron Announces Historic Shift
France's military presence in Niger will be terminated by 2023, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron, marking a significant shift in their strategic involvement
France will cease its military involvement in Niger by the conclusion of 2023, announced French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday. Macron declared, "We are terminating our military collaboration with the de facto authorities of Niger due to their lack of willingness to combat terrorism." This decision comes in light of the military officials assuming control of the northwestern African nation in July.
The withdrawal will be organized in the coming weeks, he added.
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French ambassador is being 'held hostage at the French embassy' in Niger, says Macron
"They will return in an organized fashion over the upcoming weeks and months, and we will collaborate with the coup leaders to ensure a peaceful process," stated Macron. When asked about the withdrawal timeline, Macron confirmed that all French troops will have left Niger by the conclusion of 2023.
The decision to terminate the "cooperation" arises from our unwillingness to engage in internal politics and become captive to coup plotters, stated the president. Additionally, the French president revealed his resolution to recall the country's ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, back to France. This action follows Macron's previous statement where he described the ambassador as being "physically trapped within the walls of the French embassy."
"France has decided to bring back its ambassador," Macron said. "In the coming hours, our ambassador along with several diplomats will return to France."
