Operations for the withdrawal of French soldiers present in Niger are set to commence on Tuesday, accompanied by the Nigerien army, as announced by the military regime that seized power through a coup.

This development comes at a time when Algeria has decided to suspend its mediation efforts aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing crisis.

In a press release broadcasted on national television, Télé Sahel, the military regime stated, “Operations for the departure of the first convoy under the escort of our defence and security forces will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, October 10.”

While the press release does not specify the destination of this convoy, it signifies progress towards the withdrawal of approximately 1,400 French soldiers from Niger, a demand made by Nigerien generals shortly after they assumed power in late July.

French President Emmanuel Macron had announced their departure at the end of September.

The military regime clarified that after meetings and exchanges with French authorities, a mutually agreed-upon timetable for the troop withdrawal was established.

Over the weekend, several convoys were observed traveling between advanced bases in the northwest, where 400 French soldiers are deployed, and the capital city of Niamey.

These convoys facilitated resupply efforts and the transportation of priority French soldiers to Niamey.

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With limited available routes for their exit, French forces face challenges in leaving Niger. Land borders with Benin and Nigeria remain closed, and the overflight of Nigerien territory by French aircraft is restricted unless authorized otherwise.

It is anticipated that French containers may be transported to Chad, where the command of the French Forces in the Sahel is based.

Subsequently, these containers may transit through the port of Douala in Cameroon.

Since seizing power on July 26 by ousting elected president Mohamed Bazoum, Nigerien military leaders have been at odds with France, demanding the departure of French soldiers and the ambassador.

In late September, President Macron announced the recall of the French ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itté, who returned to Paris.

In response to the crisis in Niger, Algeria had been mediating efforts, proposing a detailed six-month transition plan in August. However, tensions persisted as the Nigerien regime emphasized that the duration of the transition would be determined through an inclusive national dialogue.

Recently, Algeria decided to suspend its mediation efforts pending the clarification of Algerian mediation implementation details in Niger.

While Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf was expected to visit Niger, discussions between the two nations’ foreign ministries regarding the visit’s program and content remained inconclusive.”