France has decided to close its embassy in Niger indefinitely due to increasing tensions between the two countries.
The embassy has stated that it is unable to operate normally or carry out its duties because of restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government.
Additionally, local embassy staff have been dismissed, according to a letter from former French ambassador Sylvain Itté.
This decision comes as the final French troops have departed Niger after being instructed to leave by the country’s military leaders.
The relationship between Niger and France has deteriorated since the military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July.
In September, Mr. Itté and several French staff left the country, one month after the military regime ordered the ambassadors to leave and established a blockade around the embassy premises in the capital, Niamey.
The embassy was attacked by thousands of pro-junta protestors shortly after the coup, but they were dispersed by Nigerien forces before they could enter the building.
During Mr. Bazoum’s leadership, France had more than 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to assist in the fight against jihadist groups associated with both al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
Most of the troops had already left before the deadline on Friday, and the remaining 157 have now withdrawn.
There are concerns that the French withdrawal could exacerbate the security situation in the region, which is currently experiencing an increase in attacks by Islamist fighters.
Niger’s junta has recently formed a new defense alliance with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali in an attempt to control the insurgency.
Both Burkina Faso and Mali, like Niger, were former French colonies where the military has taken control in recent years.
There has been a rise in anti-French sentiment, as the former colonial power is being held responsible for its failure to stop the Islamist attacks and accused of maintaining excessive political and economic influence long after independence.
Despite this, the United States still maintains two military bases in Niger, with over 600 American troops stationed there.
The US sees its military presence in Niger as crucial in countering the increasing influence of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in the Sahel region of West Africa. Mali’s military junta is collaborating with Wagner mercenaries in the fight against jihadists, although the group has faced allegations of widespread human rights abuses.
