Niger Rebels Demand France Set Deadline for Troop Withdrawal

The rebels who have come to power in Niger are demanding that the French leadership set a deadline for the withdrawal of its troops from the country. This was reported by Al Arabiya, citing a source from the French Ministry of Defense.

According to the publication, there are currently about 1,500 French soldiers serving in Niger, stationed in the region as part of cooperation between countries to combat terrorism. However, the rebels are demanding that the military be withdrawn from the country and that precise timelines be set.

"Discussions have already begun regarding the withdrawal of certain military elements," the source said.

It is noteworthy that relations between Niger and France, which was once a colonial power and later an ally, have deteriorated after Paris supported President Mohamed Bazoum. Following this, the leaders of the coup have refused to adhere to several agreements with the state.

Earlier, France announced that the deployment of its troops at the Niamey military base continues. Subsequently, units of the Nigerien armed forces were sent to the capital of the Central African Republic to monitor the actions of the French military.