French President, EMMANUEL MACRON has said France will withdraw its ambassador and end all military cooperation with Niger.

EMMANUEL MACRON said in the next hours, the ambassador and several diplomats will return to France

He added that military cooperation was "over" and French troops would leave in "the months to come".

The decision follows months of animosity and protests against the French presence in the country, with regular demonstrations in the capital Niamey.

The French president said that he still regarded MOHAMED BAZOUM as the country's "sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision.