Finally! French Troops Start Niger Exit!

A three-month French troop withdrawal from Niger has officially started. It’s a testament to the tenacity and endurance of the Nigerien people, who have been protesting outside French sites in the country for weeks.

France’s 1,500-strong Niger force is now heading to Chad, a country with nine French military bases.

Many feel France has failed in its ‘anti-terror’ mandate in the Sahel. In Burkina Faso and Mali, many civilians claim life, although still difficult, has improved in terms of security since the French left more than a year ago. Nigeriens are optimistic the same will be true for them as well.

But it will be tough. The US has announced a $500-million cut in aid to Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries. This is on top of aid cuts from other Western powers, and sanctions from regional bloc ECOWAS. Despite this, Niger and its people look unshaken in their determination to chart an independent path.

Let us know your thoughts on Niger’s French-free prospects in the comments.