France in talks with Niger to withdraw portion of troops: Report

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - France has begun discussions with Niger to withdraw some of its troops from the West African country, according to a media report Tuesday.

Negotiation with the military government has started, said the Le Monde report, based on multiple sources.

Sources claimed that cooperation between France and Niger in the fight against terrorism has been halted and it is normal to hold talks on the withdrawal of French troops.

But it is unclear how many soldiers will be withdrawn from Niger.

Niger hosts 1,500 French troops as part of a regional counter-insurgency force.

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine said early Tuesday talks are underway for "a rapid withdrawal," and he characterized the existence of French troops in the country as "illegal."

Niger’s military leaders announced Aug. 3 the scrapping of military agreements with France, a decision Paris rejected, citing a lack of legitimacy.

Niger plunged into turmoil July 26 when Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.