"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, Ednews reports via France24.
The withdrawal came a day after Niger's military rulers on Monday said a first convoy of French troops would leave the West African nation after the leaders of a coup ordered them out.
The withdrawal of some 1,400 French troops had been demanded by Niger's ruling generals shortly after they seized power at the end of July.