French ambassador expelled as France withdraws troops and cooperation from Niger

France is withdrawing its ambassador, military forces, and cooperation from Niger following a coup there in July.
Niger's new military junta ordered the French ambassador to leave and revoked agreements on military cooperation.
The withdrawal of French forces raises concerns about destabilization and increased jihadist violence in the region.
France's relationships with its former African colonies continue to deteriorate amid accusations of neocolonialism.
The exit may allow Russia to expand its influence, as its Wagner forces are already active in neighboring Mali.