For several weeks, French people who wish to go to Niger have faced difficulties in returning to the territory. Information confirmed to RFI by several sources. Already at the beginning of February, cases of pushbacks were reported at Niamey airport, even for people with valid papers. Since then, and in a context of still tense relations between Paris and Niamey, the situation remains complicated for the French upon their arrival.
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Proper papers are no longer enough for a French person who goes to Niger, explain several sources. Even with a valid visa, French nationals are not safe from being repressed upon their arrival in the country. It is now necessary to present an additional document upon arrival. According to good sources, three French people who arrived in Niamey on behalf of an NGO were turned back again this month.
This pass is issued on a case-by-case basis by the Nigerien Ministry of the Interior, without clear criteria for allocation emerging, one of our sources tells us. “ To my knowledge, only French nationals are affected by this measure », Comments another joint in Niamey.
Upon their arrival, the French are put in a separate line, additional checks are carried out by the Territorial Surveillance Directorate, explains a French person who presented himself recently.
At the beginning of February, a Nigerien source mentioned a reciprocal measure taken by the Niger authorities in response to France’s cancellation of visas granted to Nigeriens, without further details.
Requested by RFI, the Nigerien authorities did not respond.