The President of France, Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of its ambassadors and end of all military co-operation with Niger following coup.
Macron made this statement on Sunday, September 24, noting that France has decided to withdraw it’s military operations in the country.
“France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” Mr Macron said.
He added that military co-operation was “over” and French troops would leave in “the months to come”.
Reacting to what the president of France said, the military junta which seized power in Niger on July welcomed the move.
“This Sunday we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger.
“Imperialist and neo-colonialist forces are no longer welcome on our national territory. The new era of cooperation, based on mutual respect and sovereignty is already underway,” the junta said, in a statement quoted by AFP news agency.
Meanwhile, President Macron says the pull out is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
