France Shuts Niger Embassy Amid Escalating Tension With Junta.
By Caroline Ameh
France has taken the drastic step of closing its Embassy in Niger indefinitely, citing an inability to function normally or carry out its duties due to restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government.
Former French Ambassador Sylvain Itté confirmed that local Embassy staff had been dismissed, adding to the deteriorating relationship between the two nations.
The tension between France and Niger escalated after the military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July. The situation worsened when thousands of pro-junta protestors attempted to breach the Embassy premises shortly after the coup, though they were prevented from entering by Nigerien forces.
The withdrawal of the remaining 157 French troops, following an order from the country’s military leaders, has raised concerns about the region’s security. With over 1,500 troops stationed in Niger under Bazoum’s presidency, primarily to combat jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, their departure could exacerbate the growing attacks by Islamist fighters in the area.
Niger’s junta has sought to counter the insurgency by forging a new defense alliance with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, both former French colonies where military takeovers have occurred in recent years.
While France’s influence recedes, the United States maintains over 600 troops across two military bases in Niger. The U.S. views its military presence as crucial to counteracting the rising influence of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in the Sahel region of West Africa. Mali’s junta collaboration with Wagner mercenaries in combating jihadists has raised concerns about alleged widespread human rights abuses linked to the group.
The closure of France’s Embassy in Niger further deepens the diplomatic rift between the countries, raising questions about the impact on regional stability amid the shifting dynamics of foreign military presence and alliances in West Africa’s Sahel region.
