France has officially ended its military cooperation with
Niger Republic, its former colony, amid an escalating strained relationship
with the ruling military junta.
France, a key security ally with the West African nation,
had more than 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to help fight jihadist groups
linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State and to prevent further spread of
terrorism across the Sahel.
However, relations between the countries became strained
after the coup in Niger Republic in July.
France had strongly condemned the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and demanded that constitutional order be returned.
After seizing power, the junta made France’s military exit
one of their key demands, a move which neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, both
also former French colonies, made after successful coups.
In August, the coup leaders in Niger Republic ordered
Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador, to leave the country.
According to the nation’s foreign ministry, the decision to
expel the ambassador stemmed from his refusal to honour an invitation with
Niger’s minister of foreign affairs.
The ministry also added that “other actions by the French
government contrary to the interests of Niger” led to the ambassador’s
withdrawal.
A document marking the official end of France’s military
engagement with Niger was signed by both parties in the capital Niamey on
Friday.
Although France began withdrawing its troops in October, the
last group of soldiers in fatigues boarded a military plane that took off
shortly after the document was signed, according to Reuters.
However, there are concerns that the French withdrawal could
worsen the security situation in the region, which is now witnessing increasing
attacks by Islamist fighters.
In order to try and contain the insurgency, Niger’s junta
has signed a new defence alliance with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
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