The French President Emmanuel Macron, announced on Sunday that his country’s Ambassador and troops will be withdrawn from Niger following persistent protests by citizens in the West African nation.
The French had been asked to leave the country, following the July 26 coup that toppled President Mohammed Bazoum’s government.
Nigeriens have been celebrating following President Macron’s announcement.
He said over 1,500 troops will be pulled out, with the operation to be completed by the end of the year.
“France has decided to bring back its Ambassador. And so in the coming hours, our Ambassador with several diplomats will return to France” the French President said.
“We are ending our military cooperation with the de facto authorities in Niger because they no longer want to fight against terrorism” he added.
Emmanuel Macron has maintained that he only recognizes the democratically elected President, Mohammed Bazoum, as Niger’s legitimate leader.