The situation in Niger has taken a dramatic turn, with French President Emmanuel Macron announcing that the French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, is being held hostage at the French Embassy in Niamey. The ambassador, who has been refused food, has been prevented from leaving the country since the military junta seized control of Niger in July. This has caused concern among international partners, as Niger is a crucial ally in the fight against jihadi violence in the Sahel region.
According to Le Point, the coup leaders, led by General Tchiani, have demanded the departure of the 1,500 French soldiers still deployed in three bases in the country. The new Nigerien government, which is not recognized by Paris, has denounced the military agreements between France and Niger, calling for the withdrawal of these soldiers.
Meanwhile, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) had demanded that the French ambassador be expelled from Niger on August 25, giving France 48 hours to make him leave Niamey. Paris rejected the ultimatum and is still strongly opposed to his departure. Despite difficult confinement conditions, the French ambassador remains in his post.
Emmanuel Macron denounced the ambassador’s ‘hostage’ situation by the military in power on Friday, September 15th. The President of the Republic stated that the military is preventing food deliveries and that Sylvain Itté is now only eating ‘military rations.’ The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, defended his presence in Niamey, adding that Sylvain Itté is ‘very useful to us through his contacts.’
Mohamed Bazoum is still considered by France as the legitimate head of state of Niger, and any redeployment of French forces stationed in Niger would only be decided at the request of President Bazoum. The situation in Niger remains tense and uncertain, as the international community awaits further developments.
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