Niger’s junta welcomes withdrawal of French troops

Niger’s junta, on Sunday, announced it welcomes the withdrawal of French troops from the West African country by the end of the year.

“This is a historic moment that reflects the determination and will of the Nigerien people,” said the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

CNSP is a governing body established by the military after a coup in July.

“Any individual, institution or entity whose presence threatens the interests and aspirations of our country must leave our ancestral land, whether they like it or not,” said the statement broadcast on national television.

French President Emmanuel Macron, during televised interview, on Sunday, announced the withdrawal of France’s troops deployed in Niger by December.

Macron said 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger to combat terrorism in Sahel region would “return in an orderly manner”. He also revealed the repatriation of the French ambassador to Niger “in the coming hours”.

Following President Mohamed Bazoum’s detention by military on July 26, CNSP, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, assumed legislative and executive authority.

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Tchiani is a former leader of the country’s presidential guard.

Relations between Niger and France sharply deteriorated after the coup. France suspended visa issuance in Niger and evacuated its citizens, while Niger closed its airspace to all French-registered aircraft.

The junta had previously demanded the departure of the French ambassador after the coup. It also ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador at the end of August, but France refused.

“The sovereign Nigerien people, unyielding and peaceful, reiterate the firm and non-negotiable principle of the departure of foreign forces.

“A new era of cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereignty is already underway.

“Our resistance will be unwavering and will apply to any institution or entity attempting to undermine the higher interests of our nation,” CNSP’s statement read. (Xinhua)