France announces the closure of its embassy in Niger. Since the coup d’état of July 26, 2023, relations between the two countries have seriously deteriorated. Diplomatic sources explain to RFI that the French representation “ is no longer able to function normally or carry out its missions “.
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It is a very rare decision which illustrates a new episode in the progressive rupture between Paris and Niamey. Starting with the attack on the French embassy a few days after the July 26 coup, as recalled by diplomatic sources contacted by RFI.
Then the CNRD junta demanded the outright departure of the French ambassador, which Paris refused. What followed was a blockade of the establishment by the Nigerien defense and security forces. A blockade during which the ambassador could not go out or receive his counterparts, to the point that French President Emmanuel Macron considered him a hostage.
Ambassador Sylvain Itté finally left Niger at the end of September 2023. From now on, it is the local staff who will be compensated, before being dismissed. While at the same time, all French soldiers deployed in Niger should have left the country by December 22, according to declarations from the military regime dating from ten days ago.
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