French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will end its military presence in the African nation of Niger by the end of 2023. Macron made the announcement at a joint press conference held with Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou in the Nigerien capital of Niamey.
Macron’s announcement came as part of an overall plan to modernize France’s military presence around the world, and as part of a new approach to combatting terrorism in the Sahel region. The plan includes a new “cooperation framework” between France, Niger, and several other African nations and international partners.
The French military mission in Niger, known as Operation Barkhane, began in August 2014. It has been an important contributor to countering the threat of terrorism in the region, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. The mission deployed over 4,500 soldiers, with a majority of them stationed in Mali.
During Macron’s announcement, he said that the French soldiers in Niger would be gradually reduced over the next three years and replaced with other forms of assistance. This includes a new “regional cooperation framework” between France, Niger, and other African partners. Under this framework, France is set to increase its civilian presence in the region, providing economic, financial, and diplomatic aid.
The French President also noted that the forces deployed in Niger will be replaced with local security forces, which the country has been investing in for some time. Macron stressed the necessity of enhancing local security capabilities in the fight against terrorism, as well as providing a more sustainable long-term solution for the nation.
The new regional cooperation framework between France, Niger, and other partners highlights the importance of increased dialogue and collaboration in a quickly evolving and dangerous region. Macron acknowledged the need for a new approach to tackling the underlying root causes of the instability in the Sahel, especially regarding terrorism and internal security threats.
In conclusion, the French President’s announcement reflects a new approach to global security and terrorism, one that allows for more sustainable long-term solutions. Macron and his Nigerien counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou have been vocal advocates of this approach, and it is hoped that other countries in the 2018 G5 Sahel Summit follow suit in coming years.