France's Withdrawal from Niger Leaves Void in Sahel's Fight Against Terrorism

France has completed its military withdrawal from Niger after being asked to leave by the country's new junta, raising concerns about a gap in the fight against jihadi violence in the Sahel region. The departure of French troops leaves Niger and the entire Sahel worse off in terms of counterterrorism efforts, as Niger was seen as the last remaining Western partner in the fight against jihadi groups in the region. The withdrawal is already affecting security in Niger, with a surge in attacks, and there are concerns that violent extremist organizations may exploit the vacuum created by the departure of French troops to expand their operations in the Sahel.