France Orders Troops, Ambassador Out Of Niger Republic

By Nifemi Oriola

France’s President Emmanuel Macron, says that France will withdraw its ambassador and end all military co-operation with Niger.

The President, in a statement said that France would not be held hostage by the rebels after Niger’s coup leaders banned French aircraft from flying over the country.

Recall that there were about 1,500 French soldiers helping to fight Islamist militants in Niger, but this decision was taken following months of animosity and protests against the French presence in its former colony.

Meanwhile, Niger’s military leaders told French ambassador Sylvain to leave the country after they overthrew Mr Bazoum.

However, a 48-hour ultimatum for him to leave, passed with him still in place as the French government refused to recognise the military regime as legitimate.

Source: BBC