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The ongoing withdrawal of French troops participating in an anti-militant mission in Niger will be complete by December 22, according to a statement from the country’s army.
The withdrawal has so far been carried out “in a coordinated manner and safely”, the statement added.
Niger’s military rulers scrapped defense agreements with France, its traditional security partner, shortly after the July coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The country has since forged closer ties with its military-ruled neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.
According to Niger media, 1,346 French troops and 80 percent of their logistical equipment have left, with only 157 soldiers remaining.
