France recalls its ambassador, suspends military cooperation with Niger
French President Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
France is recalling its ambassador from Niger and also ending its military cooperation with Niamey, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
"At the request of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, we were present on their territory to fight terrorism. These countries have suffered from coups. Today, I met with President Bazoum (of Niger), who is currently in custody because he conducted major reforms," Macron said.
Macron added that French soldiers will leave Niger by the end of the year.
"France has decided to recall its ambassador and end military cooperation with Niger," he added.
State coup in Niger
At the end of July, the security forces of Niger's President Mohammed Bazoum staged a coup, taking the head of state hostage and announcing the overthrow of the government.
Following this, the leader of the presidential guard, Abdurahman Chiari, declared himself the new head of Niger.
Several African countries were prepared to provide their troops for an invasion of Niger to put an end to the coup.
The Niger junta, in turn, accused France of deploying troops in several West African countries with the aim of "military intervention." They also called on the French government to recall its ambassador from the country.
