Niger’s capacity as a host country of the United States Army in the Sahel was strongly debated on the floor of the Congress on Thursday.

A move for the withdrawal of the American troops preceded the legislation which was rejected by a vote of 81 against 11 on the same matter.

Had the bill passed, President Joe Biden would have no choice but to recall the troops, a similar mission being carried out by Paris in the aftermath of the July 26 coup in Niamey.

There are about 1,000 American soldiers in the country.

Thursday’s parliamentary debate followed The U. S’s declaration this month that there had been a military coup in Niger.

Washington DC had announced the suspension of aid to Niamey before the acknowledgement.

It is worth noting that France, a former ally of Niger has commenced the withdrawal of its 1500 troops from the country after the Junta asked that they evacuate.

Paris targets December 31 as the final departure date.