To complete a regional redeployment and fear of threats accompanied by the exit of 2,400 French troops from Mali, the centre of violence in the Sahel and the stronghold of al-Qa 'idah and the Islamic State, will lead to increased violence, destabilize neighbouring countries and stimulate migration.

French officials visit Niger Friday to redefine strategy to combat jihadists in the Sahel region

With the withdrawal expected to be completed by the end of the summer, new French Foreign Minister Catherine Colona and Defence Minister Sebastian Licorno will arrive in Niger on Friday and Niger will become the centre of French forces, with approximately 1,000 troops stationed in the capital, Niamey, with fighter jets, a march and a helicopter

A French diplomatic source explained that the aim was to present a new strategy to President Emmanuel Macron next September

French officials also said that the burden would be on the States of the region to lead security, with a focus on development, good governance and education.

50 million euros of assistance to strengthen Niger's electricity system and budget support are to be announced

French officials have stated that between 300 and 400 troops will be deployed for special operations with Niger forces in the border areas with Burkina Faso and Mali. Between 700 and 1,000 more troops will be stationed in Chad with an undisclosed number of special forces operating elsewhere in the area. The same source said that French forces would no longer carry out tasks or pursue militants in Mali once the exit had been completed.