French to start withdrawing troops from Niger 'this week'

TUNIS, Tunisia

France on Thursday said that it will start withdrawing its troops from Niger “this week.”

“The disengagement of military personnel and military assets deployed in Niger begins this week. This maneuver is intended to bring back all the military personnel by the end of the year,” the French Armed Forces Ministry said in a statement.

"Coordination with the Nigerien armed forces is essential for the success of this maneuver. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the movements proceed in an orderly and secure manner," the ministry added.

In Niamey, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP) also issued a statement on Thursday morning, in which it "informs the Nigerien people that the withdrawal of French military troops ... will begin this week.”

"This disengagement follows the request of our authorities to regain our full sovereignty. The CNSP and the Nigerien government will ensure that this withdrawal is carried out in accordance with our interests and on our terms," the statement said.

"The 400 French soldiers based in Ouallam will be the first to pack up. The Niamey Air Base, where most French military personnel are stationed, will then be dismantled by the end of the year," it added.

On Sept. 24, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French troops would be withdrawn from Niger in the weeks and months to come.

The French ambassador to Niger also returned to his country late last month.