The withdrawal exercise is scheduled to take place over a period of three months.
The Military headquarters has announced that we will commence our disengagement operation this week. The operation will be conducted in a well-organized manner, prioritizing safety and coordination with the Nigeriens.
The announcement follows the return of France's ambassador to Niamey, who came back to his home country due to pressure from the regime, just a week ago.
On September 24, President Emmanuel Macron made an announcement regarding the withdrawal of 1,400 French Troops from Niger. These troops, who were stationed in Niger as part of a broader effort to combat jihadists in the Sahel region, are expected to be withdrawn by the end of the year.
According to a report by French broadcaster RFI, approximately 400 individuals have been deployed in the northwestern town of Ouallam, near the borders of Niger with Burkina Faso and Mali. These individuals are working alongside local troops.
The area referred to as the "three borders" zone is notorious for being a safe haven for the Islamic State group.
According to the military headquarters, soldiers who are withdrawing from the area would require cover in order to safely leave their exposed forward positions. This cover may involve receiving air support from the larger force stationed at an airbase located outside the capital city of Niamey.
Since the junta started demanding their departure, the troops have been living in a state of uncertainty. They have been facing challenges such as irregular food supplies and frequent anti-French demonstrations outside the Niamey base.
France has increased its military presence in Niger in response to a request from the military regime in Mali, which came to power through a coup. In addition to the drones and fighter jets that were already deployed, France has now added armoured vehicles and helicopters.
The troops will now need to withdraw either through Benin to the south, which is in conflict with the junta in Niamey, or Chad to the east, where France's headquarters for the Sahel theatre is located.
Currently, Niamey has imposed a ban on French flights over its territory.
