French Troops Begin Withdrawal From Niger

France has initiated the withdrawal of its military forces from Niger, complying with an order from the leaders of the July coup that toppled the pro-Paris president, as announced by the military on Tuesday. Confirming the departure of the first wave of troops, the spokesman of the French chief of staff acknowledged the move. This development aligns with the prior statement from Niger's army, which had declared that the 1,400-strong French contingent would commence their departure on Tuesday, accompanied by Niger forces for security. The withdrawal comes in the wake of political upheaval in Niger earlier this year when a coup led to the removal of the pro-French president. The new leadership, which emerged from the coup, demanded the exit of French troops from the country, asserting their desire for a more independent foreign policy. This move by France to withdraw its troops signifies a significant shift in its military presence in the region, as Niger has long been a strategic partner in France's counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region. The presence of French troops had been instrumental in combating various extremist groups and stabilizing the region. The departure of these troops raises concerns about the potential security vacuum and the impact it may have on regional stability. It also underscores the evolving dynamics in France's relationships with its former colonies in Africa, where French military involvement has often been a source of debate and contention. As the withdrawal unfolds, international observers will closely monitor the situation to assess its implications on security and stability in Niger and the broader Sahel region. It remains to be seen how this transition will affect the balance of power in the region and France's continued engagement in African security affairs.