Emmanuel Macron: France will withdraw troops from Niger by the end of the year

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would withdraw troops from Niger by the end of 2023.

The 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger to fight terrorism in the Sahel region will “return in an orderly manner” by the end of the year, he said in a TV interview.

“We are ending military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger because they no longer wish to fight terrorism,” the president said, adding that France would consult with the junta to ensure the withdrawal was “peaceful.”

“We will continue to support the African continent in the fight against terrorism, but only if democratically elected bodies and regional authorities demand it,” said President Macron.

Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply after the coup in the African country. France suspended visas in Niger and evacuated its citizens, and Niger closed its airspace to French-registered aircraft.