Niger's military leadership has requested a "negotiated framework" for the withdrawal of France's military contingent from the country, which Paris says will be completed by the end of this year.
The new leaders of the West African nation, who seized power as a result of the July coup, announced via a televised statement on Monday evening that the withdrawal timeline must be established within "a negotiated framework and by mutual agreement."
Last week, President Macron announced the termination of military cooperation between France and Niger, adding that the French troops will depart gradually over the upcoming months and weeks. As part of its "anti-jihadist" force in the Sahel region, France has approximately 1,500 troops stationed in its former West African colony, with most of the soldiers are restricted to the country's military base in Niamey.
Niger's leaders expressed appreciation for France's decision, calling the development a significant step towards the nation's sovereignty. It was noted that they are awaiting official actions from French authorities to follow up on the announcement.
"This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people," the military leaders said on national television.
According to media reports, there has been no sign of any activity around the French embassy in Niamey since late Sunday indicating the departure of the country's ambassador to Niger Sylvain Itte.
On Monday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stressed that Paris would continue to support ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and urge for the "reinstatement of the constitutional order in Niger", despite the announced withdrawal of troops.
On August 3, Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which was formed following the coup, renounced a number of military cooperation agreements with France and deemed French troops' presence in the country as "illegal." Subsequently, the council requested the departure of the French ambassador. Paris responded by saying that it will only recognize the decisions made by Bazoum's deposed government.
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations and rallies in Niger's capital, Niamey, calling for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
On July 26, a military coup took place in Niger. President Bazoum was overthrown and arrested by his own guard, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened military intervention in case the rebels do not reinstate Bazoum.
France, along with ECOWAS, did not recognize the authority of the military leaders and demanded the restoration of Bazoum.