French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and troops from Niger in response to the July coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

France has approximately 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, and the new military rulers had requested the exit of the French ambassador and troops after Macron refused to recognize the coup.

Thousands of protesters in Niger have called for the departure of French forces, leading to escalating tensions.

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Macron stated that military cooperation is “over,” and French troops will gradually withdraw over the coming months, with a complete withdrawal expected by the end of the year.

He also emphasized Bazoum’s legitimacy and the coup’s motives, characterizing it as politically motivated and ethnically driven.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions after the coup and threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore Bazoum to power failed, but regional countries have since supported the new military rulers.