The first phase of France’s military presence in the Niger Republic has been declared.
According to report, this choice was made after a disagreement with the military junta in charge since the coup in late July. Three months are expected to pass during the France forces’ pullout process.
The military HQ said in a statement issued on Wednesday that “we will start our disengagement operation this week, in good order, safely, and in coordination with the Nigeriens.”
According to this news source, the announcement was made a week after the regime-pressured return home of France’s envoy to Niamey.
UPDATE: Niger’s Military Junta Agrees To Dialogue
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, had stated on September 24 that 1,400 French troops would be leaving “by the end of the year,” claiming that the soldiers from Paris were in Niger as part of a larger effort to combat extremists across the Sahel area.
Near the borders of Niger with Burkina Faso and Mali, in the northwest town of Ouallam, 400 are reportedly stationed with local forces, according to the French broadcaster RFI.
The “three borders” region is renowned as the Islamic State group’s safe haven.
According to the military command, in order to safely depart their exposed front positions, soldiers who are retiring from the region would need protection. Receiving air help from the larger force stationed at an airbase outside of the capital city of Niamey.
Since the junta began demanding their departure, the troops have been living in a state of anxiety. They have been dealing with inconsistent food deliveries and frequent anti-French protests outside the Niamey base.
UPDATE: Abdulsalami, Sultan Of Sokoto, Others Finally Meet Niger Junta
France has boosted its presence in Niger in response to a request from the military government in Mali, which was established following a coup. Along with the drones and fighter jets already in place, armoured vehicles and helicopters were also added.
Now that the junta in Niamey is in power, the French forces will have to flee through either Benin to the south or Chad to the east, which is home to France’s Sahel theatre headquarters.
According to report, Niamey currently forbids French aircraft from flying over its territory.
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