They are nearly 450 Nigerien students admitted and registered in French universities and private schools. But as the start of the new school year approaches, they are at an impasse, without knowing if they will be able to come. Following the military coup in their country last July, the doors of the French consulate in Niger are closed. And without any planned reopening date, no more visa application files are being processed.
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There were only the suitcases left to pack for Issa Ali, enrolled in a business school in Paris. Like him, there are hundreds already ready to leave. Destination France to continue their university studies at the faculty or in private schools. But for weeks, their future has been suspended.
Worry and stress win over these students who no longer have words to express their dismay. Adama Nouredine is 19 years old. He just got his baccalaureate. He must continue his law studies at the University of Caen, in Normandy, and he was to be in France at the end of August to start his first university year. Faced with this situation and in an emergency, Nigerien students have come together. They created the group of students admitted to French universities. Their objective: to try to find solutions both on the side of the French and Nigerien authorities.
” We can’t leave these students in doubt »
” The situation is untenable “, explains Adam Oumarou, president of the Council of Nigeriens in France, CONIF. ” We can’t leave these students in doubt and say that the consulate is closed until further notice, it’s unbearable “, he adds.
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With his association, he knocks on all doors in search of solutions. There is an interesting track: If the French authorities accept it, it is a question of being able to transfer the files of these students to a neighboring country, Benin for example, or elsewhere. And he adds: I understand that this is not the priority given the geopolitical context but that we tell them clearly that coming to France this year to study is not possible. On the other hand, these students count on the French authorities, that we tell them that we will find leads, ways and means so that they can submit their file to obtain their visa. The only thing we want, and I repeat myself, is a clear cut answer. It will allow these 450 students who are waiting to position themselves. The problem is that time is passing. The vice is tightening and it will be more and more difficult to find a solution by going to fall back for example in another country. »
Suitcases already packed with costs at stake
Between the school fees that some have already had to pay in advance, the plane ticket, insurance or accommodation, parents have already incurred expenses to ensure their children’s studies. All want to remain optimistic, they struggle, alert the media and they keep hope. Because, for them, it is out of the question to sacrifice their university year.