France Completes Withdrawal of Troops from Northern Niger Amid Continued Military Rule

France's exit leaves a potential security vacuum; extremist linked violence soars by over 40% after coup.

France has completely withdrawn its troops from a northern base in Niger, as part of a planned exit strategy following a military coup in the country.
Nearly 200 troops, 28 trucks and two dozen armored vehicles have left the Ouallam military base, with the base now being under Niger's control.
The coup in July led to the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since, with limited contact due to the junta confiscating his communication devices.
Niger was perceived as a key partner for Western nations to combat the growing jihadi insurgency, potentially linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Post-coup, violence related to extremists has escalated by over 40% in Niger, signaling major security concerns in the absence of French forces.