France Announces Withdrawal of Troops and Ambassador from Niger Following Coup

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will end its military presence in Niger by the end of 2023 due to tensions with the military junta that seized control of the country in July. Macron stated that the decision was made because the de facto authorities in Niger no longer want to fight terrorism. France has not recognized the military leaders and insists that the ousted president remains the legitimate authority. The withdrawal will be organized in the coming weeks, and Macron also announced the return of the country's ambassador to France. The United States is also considering withdrawing troops from Niger.