France is considering several options for troops pullout from Niger, contacts with the Nigerien army continue and relate to operational and technical aspects, a French General Staff spokesman told Al Arabiya broadcaster.
Niger’s rebel-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said on Monday that French forces were staying in the country illegally and called for their swift departure.
French forces have been largely confined to their air base in Niger's capital, Niamey, since rebels ousted Paris-backed President Mohamed Bazoum in late July. The West African bloc ECOWAS threatened military intervention if Niger's military did not restore Bazoum to power.
Multiple demonstrations have taken place in Niger outside the French base since the July coup, with protesters demanding that Niger's former colonial master end its military presence in the country.
Sputnik correspondent reported that the demonstrators shouted slogans in support of the Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) formed by the coup leaders.