France closed its embassy in Niger indefinitely, due to what it said was “the normal obstruction by the Nigerien authorities of the embassy’s work.”
A letter signed by the French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Etty, stated that Paris’s decision came as a result of the July 26 coup and the violence witnessed in the vicinity of the embassy, followed by the military’s expulsion of Ambassador Sylvain Etty, weeks after they besieged the vicinity of the French diplomatic headquarters in Niamey.
Paris explained that despite repeated requests and correspondence with the relevant authorities in Niger, the response was not positive so that the embassy was able to carry out its responsibilities in normal circumstances.
The embassy stated in the letter addressed to some of its Nigerian workers that it had decided to terminate employment contracts with it.
Relations between the military authorities in Niger and Paris are witnessing severe tension, after the sharp positions expressed by France, rejecting the overthrow of a number of army generals of the civilian president elected in 202, Mohamed Bazoum.
The tension reached the point where the military expelled Sylvain Etty and ended the presence of French forces in Niger, estimated at more than 1,400 soldiers.
