More than 200 French troops leave Niger, others follow
France had about 1500 troops stationed in Niger but the military coup of July 26, 2023, was the beginning of their departure.
“As you know after the July 26 event, France unilaterally stopped military cooperation with us, and this pushed authorities to renounce 6 military agreements that linked us with them…things are coming to order following the population’s wish.” The Chief of Army Staff, Major Colonel Maman Sani Kio said.
The chairman of the Bipartite Committee Niger-France also noted that since October 10, 2023, seven flights have already left Niger, with more than 200 soldiers and war equipment. One convoy has also left by land with 31 cars and 71 persons and will pass through Ndjamena before going to France.
“Every day we have programmed three flights, one from France and two from Ndjamena,” he revealed.
On October 10, 2023, the Nigerian authorities also asked the UN resident Coordinator to leave. The UNSG raised worries about this expulsion of its representative.
