Reuters reported on Thursday that the French government plans to indefinitely close its embassy in Niger. In a letter from the embassy to its staff, which was seen by the news agency, it was stated that the military government’s restrictions have made it impossible for the mission to carry out its diplomatic responsibilities.
Although the letter was dated Tuesday, it only surfaced on social media two days later. According to the document, which was written in French, the Nigerien authorities have rejected the embassy’s request to operate under normal circumstances.
When contacted by Reuters, the French government did not confirm or deny the authenticity of the letter. However, they did acknowledge that the situation at the embassy has become increasingly challenging since the summer.
In late July, a group of Nigerien army officers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, accusing him of failing in the fight against Islamist terrorists in the Sahel region. Shortly after, the new government in Niamey declared the French ambassador persona non grata and demanded the withdrawal of 1,500 troops that Paris had stationed in the former colony.
Initially, Ambassador Sylvain Itte refused to leave, arguing that the military government lacked legitimacy and that he would only engage with Bazoum. In response, Niamey blockaded the embassy, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to express concern that the diplomat was being “held hostage” and forced to rely on military rations.
Itte’s departure occurred in late September, while the French troops followed suit two weeks later.
Despite the threats made by some of Niger’s neighboring countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to send troops and reinstate Bazoum, they never followed through with their promise. On the other hand, the military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso have shown their support for Niamey and stated that any attack on Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them as well.
Eventually, ECOWAS declared its intention to engage in discussions with Niger and gradually lift the sanctions that had been imposed on Niamey.
Shortly after being ousted, Bazoum penned an op-ed in the Washington Post, urging the United States to intervene and “restore democracy.” However, it seems that his plea went unnoticed. Recently, the US announced its decision to resume “security and development cooperation” with Niger, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between the government in Niamey and Russia.
