Fears for democracy growing after coups in Sahel and West Africa

France has started withdrawing its troops from Niger, months after the military coup in the west African state, with all 1,500 soldiers due to be back home before the end of the year. It is not the first time that Paris has brought back its soldiers from Africa, withdrawing troops after military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso. France's latest move comes after the July coup, when the presidential guard in Niger deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum and General Abdourahamane Tchiani seized control. France, Niger's former colonial power, does not recognize the new government alongside other Western and A...