The recently established military leadership in Niger has nullified a total of over 990 diplomatic passports that were previously held by both nationals and foreigners connected to the now-deposed regime.
In a move that reverberated through diplomatic channels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Niger has formally informed foreign embassies and consulates within the nation that these diplomatic passports have been rendered “invalid,” a fact corroborated by copies of the official communication circulating on social media platforms.
These prized diplomatic passports had been in the possession of former high-ranking officials within government institutions and ministries, in addition to former Members of Parliament and advisers, many of whom served the former president and prime minister. The state’s official news agency, ANP, released this information late on Thursday.
Among the recipients of these now-revoked diplomatic passports, approximately 50 were allocated to individuals of various nationalities, including Americans, Britons, French citizens, Libyans, Turks, and other West Africans.
It’s worth noting that President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown on July 26th, remains under detention at his residence.
Towards the conclusion of August, the newly installed government took further action by cancelling the passports of several key officials who were abroad at the time. This list included the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and Niger’s Ambassador to France.
