After weeks of strained relations between France and the post-coup government in Niger, the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, has left Niamey and returned to Paris. This development follows a coup in Niger two months ago, which ousted the pro-Paris president and led to a deterioration in relations between the two nations. Niger’s new leaders had demanded the departure of the French ambassador.
The French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, expressed her gratitude to Ambassador Itte and his team for their service to France under challenging circumstances.
Niger Military Junta Cut Off Electricity, Water Supply To French Embassy
Niger’s military leaders, who took power after overthrowing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26, had initially ordered Ambassador Itte to leave the country, revoking his diplomatic immunity and visa. However, the French government refused to comply or recognize the military regime as legitimate, insisting that only Bazoum’s deposed government could order the envoy’s departure.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent TV interview, announced that Ambassador Itte would leave Niger “in the next hours,” without providing specific details. Macron also reiterated his support for President Bazoum and affirmed France’s commitment to working towards the return of constitutional order in Niger.
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