Niger's military rulers welcomed the announcement that France will withdraw its troops from the country by the end of the year as a "new step towards sovereignty." 

The announcement came only hours after French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Paris would soon remove its ambassador from Niger, followed by a military deployment in the coming months.

PHOTO | COURTESY citizens celebrating

"This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards Niger's sovereignty," stated a statement issued by the country's military authorities, who seized power in late July by deposing President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

"The French troops and the ambassador of France will leave Nigerien soil by the end of the year."

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The statement on national television added: "This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people."

PHOTO | COURTESY French troops to Leave Niger


Earlier Sunday, before Macron's announcement, the body regulating aviation safety in Africa (ASECNA) announced that Niger's military rulers had banned "French aircraft" from flying over the country's airspace.

Last month, ECOWAS threatened to use force to restore Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was arrested on July 26 by guards. On the other hand, the African Union (AU) suspended niger from the union until the civilian government was restored and any armed action would be evaluated.