Macron stated, "France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France." He also declared that military cooperation was "over," and French troops would depart "in the months to come."

The military junta that took control of Niger in July welcomed this decision, viewing it as a step toward the nation's sovereignty.

France currently has approximately 1,500 soldiers stationed in the landlocked West African country, aiding in the fight against Islamist militants. In contrast, the United States has more than 1,000 troops in Niger, but they have not been asked to leave.

Paris's decision follows months of tension and protests against the French presence in its former colony, with regular demonstrations in the capital, Niamey.

This move deals a blow to France's counterterrorism efforts in the broader Sahel region and its influence in the area. However, Macron emphasized that France would not be "held hostage by the putschists."

Macron still recognizes deposed Niger leader Bazoum, currently held captive by the coup leaders, as the nation's "sole legitimate authority." He described the ousted president as a "hostage" and noted that the coup targeted him due to his courageous reforms and ethnic settling of scores.

Niger is one of several former French colonies in West and Central Africa where the military has recently taken control, following similar developments in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad. The most recent coup occurred in Gabon in August.