France recalls its ambassador to Niger

In Niger, the military government closed its airspace to France, including commercial flights.

The airspace will remain open to all domestic and international commercial flights except France.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the French ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, will soon travel to France.

MILITARY COOPERATION HAS BEEN TERMINATED

Macron said Itte and many French diplomats would return to France within hours and had ended their military cooperation with Nigerien authorities.

Noting that French soldiers in Niger will return to France in a coordinated manner before the end of the year, Macron stated that they will continue to help the African continent in the fight against terrorism.

AMBASSADOR CRISIS

The military government, which took power in Niger on July 26, gave the French ambassador in Niamey, Sylvain Itte, 48 hours to leave the country on August 25, but Ambassador Itte did not leave the country.

France stated that “the military junta is not an authority that can demand the departure of the French ambassador.”

The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs then announced in a note sent to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 31 that Ambassador Itte’s immunity had been lifted and that he would be deported.

Following the note, tight security measures were taken around the French embassy in Niamey and Nigerien security forces began monitoring vehicles entering and leaving the embassy.

Likewise, security was increased around the air base called “Niamey 101” in the capital, where French soldiers were stationed.

In his statement on September 15, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ambassador Itte was “taken hostage” and that no food was allowed into the embassy. (AA)