France shuts embassy in Niger indefinitely
The French government has announced its plan to shut its embassy in Niger indefinitely as relations between the two countries worsen.
The embassy explains that it is “no longer able to function normally or fulfil its missions” due to restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government.
Former French ambassador Sylvain Itté said in a letter that local embassy staff have also been sacked.
Ties between France and its former colonial power have nosedived since the military removed President Mohamed Bazoum in July.
The latest development is coming some weeks after the Nigerien government expelled the French troops in the West African country.
Niger’s junta recently signed a new defence alliance with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali as fears of attacks from armed insurgents operating in the country.
Under Mr. Bazoum’s administration, France had around 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to assist in the fight against jihadist groups affiliated with both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The remaining 157 troops have now left Niger. The US, however, retains two military bases in Niger, with about 600 American troops stationed there.
The US regards its military presence in Niger to be critical in repelling Russia’s Wagner mercenary group’s rising influence in West Africa’s Sahel region.
