France Withdraws Diplomat and Troops from Coup-Stricken Niger, Macron Announces

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will end its military cooperation with Niger and withdraw its 1,500 troops from the country by the end of the year following a military coup in July. This decision deals a blow to France's counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region and its influence in the area. The junta in Niger welcomed the announcement, stating that it signifies a step towards the country's sovereignty. Macron affirmed his support for the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, and condemned the coup as an act of political cowardice.