PARIS: France said on Thursday that it would start withdrawing its troops from Niger this week after a falling-out with the post-coup regime, which insists the exit be carried out in accordance with its `conditions`.

The announcement by the French army follows weeks of tensions between Paris and Niger`s new military rulers, who seized power on July 26.

President Emmanuel Macron, who had sought to make a special ally of Niger, announced on Sept 24 the withdrawal of 1,400 French troops from the country `by the end of the year`, complying with a demand by the new regime in Niamey.

Macron said that military cooperation with Niger was `over`. France`s ambassador to Niamey last week also returned home from the West African country after the regime demanded his expulsion.

`We will begin our disengagement operation this week, in good order, safely and in coordination with the Nigeriens,` the military headquarters said.-AFP