France shuts down embassy in Niger

In what further highlights deteriorating relations between France and Niger, Paris announced on Tuesday that it has suspended operations in the West African country while citing diplomatic difficulties in its daily functions. The French Foreign Ministry said the embassy will continue operating from Paris while consular activities will be carried out by French consulates in the region…

The French government has shut down its embassy in Niger, citing major obstacles to its diplomatic operations.

The country’s Foreign Ministry said that the embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, is closed “until further notice.”

It added that the embassy will continue operating from Paris while consular activities will be carried out by French consulates in the region.

The ministry said in a statement that “For the past five months, our Embassy has been subjected to major obstacles that have made it impossible to do its job: a blockade around the Embassy, restrictions on employee movements, and the turning away of all diplomatic personnel who were supposed to arrive in Niger, in clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

The latest development highlights the deteriorating ties between Niger and its former colonial power, France.

In August 2023, Niger’s military leaders canceled military agreements with France, a decision that got Paris furious, citing a lack of legitimacy.

Paris has been critical of the ruling junta, led by General Abdouramane Tchiani, following the removal of a long-term ally, Mohamed Bazoum, in a military coup.

France has also withdrawn its troops from the country following repeated protests against their presence in Niger.