Title: The withdrawal of French forces in Niger: a departure planned for December 31 confirmed by General Ozanne
Intro: In a press release held in Niamey, General Eric Ozanne, commander of French forces in the Sahel, confirmed that the departure of 1,400 French soldiers from Niger, announced by President Emmanuel Macron for December 31, would indeed be well respected. While 282 soldiers have already left the country, General Ozanne revealed the details of the logistics put in place for the departure of French troops to Chad and discussed the coordination between the Nigerien and French authorities.
Withdrawal continues: convoys leave Niger
According to General Ozanne, two large convoys, composed of military vehicles, have already left the northern zone of Niger, while other convoys transporting non-sensitive equipment are in preparation. He stressed that these logistical flows will intensify next week, with the transport of 2,500 containers out of the country. The general specified that these transport operations were entrusted to an external service provider, thus ensuring transparency towards local populations.
A risky land evacuation to Chad
The French army plans to evacuate its men and equipment mainly by land to Chad, before repatriating them to France. This route of more than 3,000 km will pass through areas where jihadist groups are active, raising concerns about the security of the convoys. However, General Ozanne assured that the journey had been planned in close collaboration with the Nigerien authorities and that the prevention messages to the population had been well received.
Peaceful relations between Paris and Niamey
After months of tension between Paris and Niamey, relations between the French and Nigerien authorities seem to have calmed down. General Ozanne stressed that despite differences of opinion, the two parties worked together in a spirit of professionalism and the search for common solutions. For his part, Colonel Mamane Sani Kiaou, chief of staff of the Nigerien land army, affirmed that the disengagement was taking place in accordance with the established program and that an agreement had been signed between the two parties.
Conclusion: The withdrawal of French forces in Niger is continuing its course, with soldiers already leaving and logistics well organized for the future. Despite the security challenges linked to land transport to Chad, the Nigerien and French authorities appear to be working closely together to ensure the smooth running of this operation. Respecting the deadline set by President Macron for December 31 therefore seems to be a tangible reality.