French Troops Exiled by Niger Coup Leaders, American Forces Remain in Fight Against Jihadists

France is withdrawing its remaining troops from Niger as relations between the two nations hit rock-bottom. The military junta in Niger, led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has unilaterally terminated accords that allowed EU specialists to train Niger's security forces. Previously, President Mohamed Bazoum viewed France as a crucial military partner and had requested French troops and European special forces to redeploy to Niger's western border to combat jihadist attacks. However, following French President Emmanuel Macron's condemnation of the July coup and his public support for Bazoum, Niger's new military rulers demanded the French withdrawal. Most of the 1,500 troops have already left, with the remaining 157 to depart soon. The junta has instead formed a defence alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali, who are also under military rule. Despite strained relations with France and the EU, the US maintains a significant presence in Niger, with over 600 American troops stationed at two military bases. The US has been able to sustain diplomatic engagement with the military regime, while Paris and Brussels have faced backlash for their strong support for the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and their efforts to pressure the coup leaders into restoring civilian-led democracy. Russia is also making inroads in the region, offering political and security support to the military rulers. However, the humanitarian and security situations in Niger have deteriorated since the coup, with Ecowas trade sanctions and the suspension of development aid worsening living conditions and increasing violence.