Niger/France: The CNSP confirms the process underway for the withdrawal of French troops from Niger
On Thursday 05 September 2023, the French Armed Forces General Staff announced that the process of withdrawing French armed forces from Niger would begin this week. This announcement was confirmed by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) in a press release.
This operation to withdraw the soldiers is being carried out at the request of the new authorities in Niger, who denounced the military agreements with France in August. For the CNSP, the aim is to re-establish Niger’s full sovereignty, prioritise self-defence and develop genuine partnerships that respect the sovereignty and interests of the people of Niger.
The withdrawal of French troops from Niger is a yes, but the operation will have to be carried out in agreement with the Nigerien authorities, in accordance with the conditions set by Niger and in line with national interests. The Niger authorities have promised to ensure that the will of the people is respected.
The Niger press release also specifies that the first troops to leave Niger will be the 400 French soldiers based in Ouallam, followed by the dismantling of the Niamey air base, where most of the French forces were stationed.
For its part, the French Armed Forces General Staff has reassured that this operation to withdraw the 1.500 French soldiers will take place in good order, in safety and in coordination with the Nigeriens. It should be completed by the end of 2023, as announced on 24 September by the head of the Elysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron.
Vigilance and caution on the part of the people of Niger can only mean that France will not stop there. It wants and will continue to want to destabilise the country that stands up against it, putting its interests at stake. Moreover, one French patriot has stated that France is carrying out destabilisation operations in Niger clandestinely.
