The announcement comes just a few hours after President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of French troops from this African country.

The move was a form of pressure on the civilian-military government that had demanded the withdrawal of the French military contingent and the French ambassador here.

While we give diplomacy a chance, we will continue exploring future steps with priority given to our diplomatic and security objectives,” Austin said, according to local press reports.

Although the Nigerian government demanded the withdrawal of the French military, it did not mention the 1,100 soldiers and officers Washington had stationed in this country, the scene of fighting between the Army and Islamist militias.

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