Since the July 26th coup in Niger that ousted former President Mohammed Bazoom, a known French ally, France has been at loggerheads with Niger’s new military leaders. Just like it happened in Mali and Burkina Faso, the coup leaders in Niger demanded the withdrawal of France from the country after it renounced the military defense agreement with France but France remained defiant, refusing to leave. However, recent reports revealed that France has begun talks with Niger that will ensure the possible withdrawal of French troops from the country.
Recall that after Mall and Burkina Faso kicked French troops out, Niger became a crucial hub for France and France went ahead to station 1500 troops to help fight against armed rebels in the region.
Former French ambassador to Mali and Senegal Nicolas Normand confirmed the news, saying that talks between the French and Niger forces to "partially" evacuate soldiers were ongoing, according to his sources. Normand also stated that his source, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that the talks should not be interpreted as a recognition of the coup leaders, but rather as a "technical" dialogue between the two forces.
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