In response to the ruling military junta's demand, the initial contingent of French soldiers has begun their departure from Niger. Multiple sources within the security sector have confirmed that these troops, escorted by local forces, commenced their withdrawal from the western region of the country.

The call for France to remove all of its troops from Niger was first made by the nation's generals shortly after they assumed power through a coup at the close of July. French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently formalized their departure plans in a late September announcement.

According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), a convoy of soldiers arrived in Niamey on Tuesday around midday, accompanied by trucks transporting equipment and armored vehicles. Furthermore, a French aircraft departed from Niamey on Monday, carrying vital military personnel, including those dedicated to medical evacuations.

The ultimate destination of these French convoys remains undisclosed at this time. Sources with close knowledge of the situation suggest that they are en route to Chad, embarking on a journey spanning over 1,600 kilometers of roads and trails to reach the capital, N'Djamena, which serves as the command center for French Forces in the Sahel.

The military regime affirmed on the preceding Friday that the withdrawal of French troops would transpire "with utmost safety."

During the coup in Niger this summer, demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, demanding the evacuation of French embassy staff and associated military units from the country. Many among the protesters displayed Russian flags and voiced support for the Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenary group, which has gained significant influence in several African nations. Nonetheless, the extent of Russia's backing within Niger remains uncertain.

The departure of French forces marks the conclusion of an era that spanned nearly a decade, with around 1,400 French soldiers and airmen deployed in Niger to combat jihadist elements alongside Nigerien forces, including approximately 1,000 stationed in Niamey and 400 in the western "three borders" region, adjacent to Mali and Burkina Faso.

Following France's earlier withdrawal from Mali and Burkina Faso in 2022, Niger assumed a pivotal role in French anti-jihadist operations within the Sahel, where militant groups affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have been active.

Subsequently, France discreetly expanded its base in Niamey, introducing armored vehicles and helicopters to bolster the existing presence of five Reaper armed drones and a minimum of three Mirage fighter jets on-site. This compound, situated in Niger's capital at base 101, encompasses numerous prefabricated structures utilized for offices, IT infrastructure, hangars, modular aircraft shelters, living quarters, drone control centers, engineering equipment, and fire-fighting resources. France has emphasized that it has no intentions of transferring any equipment to the Nigerien military.

The withdrawal poses a substantial logistical and security challenge for the French military. Travel options are restricted and potentially perilous, given the risk of anti-French demonstrations and the presence of jihadists linked to Boko Haram and the West African branch of the Islamic State in Chad's Diffa region.

Niger's land borders with Benin and Nigeria have remained closed since the coup d'état on July 26 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a key French ally. Moreover, the Nigerien authorities have prohibited French civilian and military aircraft from flying over their territory without official exemption. However, Niger has since reopened its borders with Algeria, Libya, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad.

If the French cargo is indeed destined for Chad, the journey ahead promises to be arduous, lengthy, and fraught with challenges. The final leg would involve transit through the port of Douala in Cameroon, adding another layer of complexity to the process, as per a source closely acquainted with the situation.

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