Niger to accept foreign troops fighting insurgents in Sahel
President Mohamed Bazoum says Niger will welcome foreign special forces to secure the region. He said threats from the militant groups would likely rise as France pulls its troops out of Mali.
Niger will host French and European special forces after their withdrawal from neighboring Mali, President Mohamed Bazoum confirmed on Friday.
"They will especially welcome in Takuba because it has great advantages for us. They are special forces with capabilities responding to the threat posed by terrorist organizations," Bazoum wrote on Twitter.
The Niger president said the forces would secure the border area of the West African state.
France to take soldiers out of Mali
France and its European allies, as well as Canada, announced on Thursday that they were pulling their troops out of Mali.
Relations between Paris and Bamako have deteriorated since Mali's military leaders reneged on an agreement to hold elections in February. They instead proposed retaining power until 2025.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday the fight would continue from Niger.
"The heart of this military operation will no longer be in Mali but in Niger ... and perhaps in a more balanced way across all the countries of the region which want this (help)," he said.
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