France begins withdrawing its troops from Niger

French soldiers of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment and Nigerien troops are seen at the French BAP air base, in Niamey, on May 15, 2023. © Alain Jocard, AFP

France has begun withdrawing its troops from Niger after being ordered out of the West African nation by the leaders of the July coup that ousted the pro-Paris president, the military said Tuesday. 

"The first troops have left," the spokesman of the French chief of staff said, confirming an announcement Monday by Niger's army, which said that the 1,400-strong French contingent would begin leaving Tuesday, under escort from Niger forces.