France Withdraws Troops from Niger After Coup

France will withdraw its troops from Niger by the end of the year following a coup in the West African country, according to President Emmanuel Macron. This decision deals a blow to French influence and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel region. The move is likely to raise concerns about Russia's expanding presence in Africa, as the Russian mercenary force Wagner is already active in Niger's neighbor, Mali. France's exit comes after pressure from the junta and popular demonstrations, and it further diminishes French influence in its former colonies in West Africa.