Niger President says Western exit from Mali creates border risk

President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger has said his country will welcome the Western forces pulling out of neighbouring Mali.

In tweets on Friday, the president said the decision had already been made ahead of the announcement of the withdrawal.

Niger’s president said that the country’s borders would likely be more vulnerable to jihadist militant activity following the withdrawal of French forces and their allies from Mali.

The departing forces will now be based across the border in Niger, not far from the areas they pulling out from.

West African leaders met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ahead of the announcement of the withdrawal of forces from Mali.

It was during that meeting that it was agreed that the troops would relocate to countries in the region, including those to the south where new attacks have recently been reported.