President Macron has revealed that he is ending the country’s military co-operation with Niger after the coup there in July, and withdrawing 1,500 troops given the task of battling rebels in the region.
The troops will be pulled out by the end of the year, in a move that deals a blow to France’s counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel and its influence in the region.
“We will consult with the putschists because we want things to happen calmly,” he told France’s TF1 and France 2 TV stations.
Mr Macron said France, would “not be held hostage by the putschists” who he has refused to recognise as the legitimate authority in the country.
France’s military base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, had become the centre of anti-French protests since the July 26 coup.
Groups have regularly gathered on the street outside to call for the departure of troops stationed in the capital.
On one Saturday this month, tens of thousands rallied against France, slitting the throat of a goat dressed in French colours and carrying coffins draped in French flags.
At the same event, some people carried pro-Russian signs.
Mr Macron said he still regarded democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, as the country’s legitimate leader and had informed him of his decision.
Meanwhile. France’s ambassador was also being pulled out and would arrive back in the country in the next few hours, Mr Macron said.
The Federal Government says it has secured the convictions of more than...
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a socio-cultural organization representing the 19 northern...
Former US President Barack Obama threw his support behind Vice President Kamala...
A leading pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has urged Nigerians to...
President Bola Tinubu has said the nation’s economy is on a gradual...
A team of 84 Nigerian athletes are to represent the nation in...
Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun,...
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered the masterminds...
A closed-door meeting is underway between President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers...
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead. Aged...
President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over a closed-door meeting of the...
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Thursday that it has uncovered plots...
The signing of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law yesterday...
A building collapsed in the wee hours of Thursday at Arowojobe Estate...
The Federal Government has concluded plans to curb illicit trade in drugs...
The 36 state governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum...
President Bola Tinubu has formally welcomed former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim...
The Abacha family, represented by Dr. Maryam Abacha and her son, Mr....
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, has restated...
In a bid to stave off the planned nationwide protests scheduled for...
Leave a comment