The newspaper "Le Monde" reported on Tuesday that French authorities have begun talks with military leaders in Niger to withdraw their forces.

The Prime Minister of Niger appointed by the military council confirmed on Monday that there are "ongoing discussions" for a "rapid" withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country.

Ali Mohamed Al-Amin Zain stated in a press conference that French troops "are in an illegal position," according to the Agence France-Presse.

He added that "the ongoing discussions should allow for the rapid withdrawal of these forces; what concerns us is to maintain cooperation with a country with which we share many issues, if possible."

The coup that took place on July 26 raised concerns among global powers that fear a shift towards military rule in West and Central Africa, which has witnessed 8 coups since 2020.

The country most affected is France, whose influence over its former colonies in West Africa has diminished in recent years amid growing public criticism.

Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso expelled French forces after coups in those two countries, reducing France's role in the fight against a militant insurgency that has claimed many lives in the region.

France has friendly relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has about 1,500 troops in Niger.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that he speaks with Bazoum every day and that "any decisions we make, whatever they may be, will be based on our communication with Bazoum."

The military council in Niger condemned Macron's statements, calling them divisive and aiming only to establish a new colonial relationship between France and its former colony.