NIGER COUP: First Batch of French Troop Withdraws,US Stops Aids

A group of French soldiers on Tuesday 10th October, departed Niger, traveling by land with a local escort. Although it has not been officially announced, it is speculated that they may be heading towards Chad. This happened at the same time as the United States declared the suspension of its assistance to Niger, a nation that has been under military rule since the end of July 2023.

Niger's military leaders swiftly requested the French troops' retreat upon assuming power, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to declare their exit by late September. Approximately 1,400 French soldiers and airmen were stationed in Niger to combat jihadists alongside the Nigeriens. 

The departure was predicted to create logistical challenges for the French, as there are limited secure pathways out of a region that is afflicted by numerous extremist organizations.

This included around 1,000 personnel in Niamey and 400 at two forward bases in the western regions of Ouallam and Tabarey-Barey. These bases were strategically located within the "three borders" zone, adjacent to Mali and Burkina Faso.

The United State officially labeled the military seizure of power in Niger as a "coup d'état". Consequently, they announced the withdrawal of approximately $500 million in economic assistance. The US currently has around 1,100 troops stationed in Niger, along with a significant drone base located in Agadez, central Niger.

The State Department Spokesman, Matthew Miller stated that the reason for this decision is to maintain constitutional order in Niger, which the US has been diligently pursuing for the past two months. In order for the US aid to resume, the regime must take necessary measures to promptly and convincingly reinstate democratic governance.

Nonetheless, the United States will still retain its troops in Niger