All French soldiers stationed in Niger as part of the fight against jihadists will leave the country by December 22, the military regime that came to power after a coup in Niamey announced, AFP reported, quoted by Agerpres.

“By December 22, all French soldiers and their logistical equipment will leave Niger for good,” the Nigerian military said in a statement.

It is the culmination of a rift between France and Niger since the generals came to power in Niamey after a July 26 coup. Then they quickly demanded the withdrawal of French soldiers – about 1,500 involved in the fight against the jihadists – and denounced several military agreements made with Paris.

After a long dispute, France decided to do so, and President Emmanuel Macron announced that the withdrawal would be completed by the end of the year.

The Nigerian army said on Tuesday that “the process of withdrawal of French troops is being carried out in a coordinated and safe manner”.

The French army has already begun its withdrawal from Niger

“1,346 Frenchmen and 80% of the logistical equipment were placed outside our borders. So far, only 157 French soldiers remain on our territory, including 75 logisticians,” Niger national television reported Tuesday evening.

The first convoy of French soldiers left the country on October 10. After a coup d’état that ousted President-elect Mohamed Bazum, who had been isolated in his residence, the Nigerian generals in power have gradually severed ties established by the former regime with some Western partners.

In early December, Niamey announced the end of two European Union (EU) security and defense missions, civilian and military, in the country when the ruling army hosted a visiting Russian delegation. At the same time, Niger has cooperated since the coup with Burkina Faso and Mali, also led by the military. These three countries have been severely affected by jihadist violence.