The standoff between France and the Nigerien junta is finally over, after two months of tensions and negotiations. France was ultimately forced to withdraw from the country, effectively ending its military strategy in the Sahel. This decision was announced by President Emmanuel Macron, who also noted the departure of the French ambassador to Niger.
This withdrawal was preceded by numerous pressures and intimidation exerted on Sylvain Itté, the French ambassador. Deprived of his diplomatic immunity since August 29, he lived in seclusion in the French residence in Niamey, which was almost blocked. Internet access had been cut off, food supplies were limited and vehicles equipped with machine guns had been parked outside the embassy.
Faced with this situation becoming unbearable, Emmanuel Macron took the decision to recall the ambassador and to withdraw the 1,500 French soldiers present in Niger by the end of the year. This is therefore a hard blow for French military strategy in the region, which sees its position weakened here.
Despite everything, France remains determined to continue its efforts for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, elected president of Niger, who has been detained with his family for two months. France, as well as other countries and organizations such as ECOWAS and the United States, are calling for his release and a return to constitutional order.
On the side of the junta, France’s decision is seen as a step towards the sovereignty of Niger. The popular movements M62 and MPCR also welcome this decision, seeing it as a victory for the Nigerien people and a questioning of diplomatic relations with France.
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