According to the French president, the representatives of Paris are in the hands of the military junta that has seized power in the African country
Niger military
From that RFI French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (15) that the French ambassador to Niger is being held “hostage” by the military in power and is now only consuming “military rations”. “As I speak to you, in Niger we have an ambassador and diplomatic members who are literally being held hostage in the French embassy,” Macron said during a trip to the Dijon region in eastern France. According to the head of state, the Paris representatives are in the hands of the military junta that has seized power in the African country.
“The delivery of food is prevented. He eats military rations,” denounced Macron, adding that Ambassador Sylvain Itté “has no possibility of leaving.” “He is persona non grata and they are denying him food,” the president stressed. The Nigerian junta ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador last month, a request seen as unacceptable by Paris, which does not recognize the coup plotters.
Coup in Niamey The military, which toppled President Mohamed Bazoum and seized power in the country’s capital on July 26, ordered the French diplomat’s expulsion in late August after Paris refused to comply with an ultimatum demanding his departure. Since then, France has continued to oppose his departure, arguing that the government does not have the authority to make such a request.
When asked about a possible repatriation of the ambassador in Paris, the head of state reiterated: “I will do what we decide with President Bazoum, because he is the legitimate authority and I talk to him every day.” Mohamed Bazoum is still considered by France Head of State of Niger.
On September 10, Macron had already emphasized that a possible relocation of the French forces stationed in Niger would only be decided at the request of President Bazoum. The new power has terminated military cooperation agreements with France and expects a “quick withdrawal” of the approximately 1,500 French soldiers present in the country.
CONTINUED AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that France would “of course continue to welcome” artists from the Sahel, while voices in the world of culture were raised against a directive from the French government that calls for the suspension of any collaboration with artists from Niger, but also from Mali and Burkina Faso, countries with serious political crises.
However, he acknowledged that the situation appears complicated for Nigerian artists who do not yet have a visa, as access to French consular services is no longer possible. “It’s not that we ban it, it’s that we can’t give it [a possibilidade de acesso à embaixada] because of the coup plotters and for security reasons,” Macron said.