France has concluded plans to shut down its Embassy in Niger, following strained relations between the two countries since a July 26 coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
French officials confirm that the embassy “is no longer able to function normally or carry out its missions,” since Nigerien authorities have continued to frustrate its operations.
“After the attack on our embassy July 30, and the setting up of a blockade around our building by Niger forces, most of our diplomatic staff left in late September.
“The French embassy in Niger is therefore no longer able to function normally or fulfill its missions. Taking note of this situation, we have decided to close our embassy.” Local staff members have been dismissed and compensated,” sources disclosed on Thursday, December 22.
According to a document sent to Nigerien employees of the French embassy dated December 19, 2023, and signed by the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, the embassy will be shut down for an “indefinite period of time.”
The Niger Junta had, upon assumption of power, ordered the immediate departure of French troops from its territory. They also ordered the expulsion of Ambassador Itté.
Although the order was at first flouted by France, President Emmanuel Macron announced a month after that the ambassador would return to Paris and French troops would be withdrawn from the country.