French troops will commence their withdrawal from Niger “this week,” according to an announcement from the French military headquarters. This decision follows a falling-out with the military junta in power in Niger since a coup in July. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously announced the withdrawal of 1,400 French troops from the region “by the end of the year.”

The French soldiers had been stationed in Niger as part of the broader fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region. Approximately 400 troops were deployed in northwestern Niger, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, an area known as a haven for the Islamic State group.

The withdrawal process will require providing cover for the soldiers as they leave their exposed forward positions. This may involve air support from the larger French force based at an airbase outside the capital, Niamey.

The French troops had been facing uncertainty and logistical challenges since the junta in Niger began demanding their departure. This situation led to irregular supplies of food and anti-French demonstrations outside the Niamey base.

France had bolstered its presence in Niger after a military regime in Mali, born from a coup, also demanded the withdrawal of French forces. This reinforcement included the addition of armored vehicles and helicopters alongside existing drones and fighter jets.

The withdrawal options for the French troops are either via Benin to the south or Chad to the east, where France’s Sahel theater headquarters is located. However, the political dynamics and restrictions, including the prohibition of French flights over Niger’s territory, add complexity to the withdrawal process.

Source: with agencies