French Ambassador Abruptly Departs Niger, Unraveling Tensions - Here's Why
French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, has been recalled to Paris amidst rising tensions, marking a significant development in the diplomatic relations between the two countries
The French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, has returned to Paris today, as instructed by the President of the Republic on Sunday, the French Foreign Ministry informed CNN on Wednesday.
The ministry stated that French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna received Itte to express gratitude for his team's service "under challenging circumstances." French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France had made the decision to repatriate Itte and numerous other diplomats from Niger.
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French ambassador is being 'held hostage at the French embassy' in Niger, says Macron
After their July coup, the Niger military junta ordered Itte to leave the country, and later revoked his visa.
The ambassador stayed put as per the French government's instructions, as French officials declared their refusal to acknowledge the authority of the junta.
Earlier this month, Macron stated that the ambassador was being held hostage at the French embassy and that the delivery of food to the embassy in the capital city of Niamey was being blocked.
The two countries' relations have deteriorated since the coup. Ittes' departure from Niger comes after France's recent announcement to withdraw its military presence from the West African nation by the year-end. Approximately 1,500 French troops are currently stationed in Niger, primarily engaged in counterterrorism operations.
