THE leaders of Niger’s new government have welcomed an end to the “imperialist” French military presence in their country.

Sunday’s statement by the military group that seized power in July followed an announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron that France would end its military presence in Niger and withdraw its ambassador.

Mr Macron complained last week that French diplomats were confined to their embassy and surviving on military rations.

Niger’s new rulers said the announcement signalled a “new step towards the sovereignty” of the country.

“Imperialist and neocolonialist forces are no longer welcome on our national territory. The new era of co-operation, based on mutual respect and sovereignty, is already under way,” their statement said.

Paris was forced to pull troops out of neighbouring Mali last year and Burkina Faso in February this year in the wake of popular coups, fuelled in large part by hostility to the former colonial power.

In another mark of its waning influence in the region, France was also forced to suspend military operations in the Central African Republic in 2021, accusing its government of failing to stop a “massive” anti-French disinformation campaign.

Since the coup that ousted Niger’s president Mohamed Bazoum, France had repeatedly refused to remove the 1,500 troops stationed in the country and also insisted that it would not order its ambassador back to Paris, saying that it did not recognise the authority of the coup leaders.

Local activist Insa Garba Saidou, who helps Niger’s new military rulers with their communications, said they would continue to monitor developments until the French ambassador leaves the country. 

He also demanded a clear deadline for the French troop withdrawal.

“This announcement from the French president announces the victory of the people of Niger,” Mr Saidou said. “However, we are going to take it with a lot of reservation because I no longer believe in Mr Macron.”