The report that the France embassy in Niger’s capital Niamey is to be closed comes as France prepares to withdraw its last remaining military forces from the country this month.
France has written to the staff of its embassy in the Republic of Niger, informing them of its move to close its diplomatic mission in the West African country indefinitely following the military takeover of Niger and the diffusing relationship between the two countries.
The report that the France embassy in Niger’s capital Niamey is to be closed comes as France prepares to withdraw its last remaining military forces from the country this month.
The Associated Press (AP) quoted the letter sent to Nigerien employees of the French embassy dated December 19, 2023, and signed by the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, as stating: “The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic is regretfully forced to close the embassy for an indefinite period of time.”
The report further noted that French diplomatic sources acknowledge the authenticity of the letter, which notifies Nigerien employees that they will be dismissed as of April 30, 2024.
The French embassy in Niger was attacked by demonstrators on July 30, 2023, and the military junta ruling the country declared the French ambassador to Niger persona non grata before setting up a blockade around the French embassy.
A French diplomatic source who requested anonymity as he is not allowed to speak to the press reportedly said, “The French embassy in Niger is therefore no longer able to function normally or carry out its missions.”
Since the bloodless coup d’état against the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and Paris’ refusal to collaborate with the military junta ruling Niger, the relationship between France and Niger has been in crisis.
https://apnews.com/article/