In a move that has heightened tensions between Niger and its traditional ally France, the military rulers of Niger have revoked the diplomatic immunity of France’s ambassador and ordered his expulsion from the country.
The decision, outlined in a letter dated Tuesday, comes as a response to France’s refusal to acknowledge the new regime that came to power through a coup on July 26, which saw the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, a close ally of France.
The letter states
French ambassador Sylvain Itte “no longer enjoys the privileges and immunities attached to his status as a member of the diplomatic personnel in the French embassy.” Diplomatic cards and visas for the ambassador and his family have been canceled, with police instructed to carry out the expulsion. This latest development follows a series of events that began with the July coup, after which relations between Niger and France began to deteriorate.
Amid these escalating tensions, the French government has refused the demand for the expulsion of their ambassador, asserting that the Nigerien authorities lack the legal authority to issue such an order. President Emmanuel Macron singled out Ambassador Itte for praise as he chose to remain at his post despite the diplomatic row.
Colonel Pierre Gaudilliere, a French military spokesperson, issued a warning, emphasizing that French military forces are prepared to respond to any rise in tension that could jeopardize the safety of French diplomatic and military premises in Niger. Security measures have already been put in place to safeguard these facilities.
France currently maintains approximately 1,500 troops in Niger, stationed primarily at an airbase near the capital, to aid in the fight against a violent jihadist insurgency. Nevertheless, Niger’s new ruling regime, established by the Patriotic Front for Niger Sovereignty (FPS) after the coup, has been critical of the military agreements with France and has urged for a tougher stance against the French presence.
The situation has been further complicated by Niger’s historical struggles, both as a landlocked former French colony and due to its position in the tumultuous Sahel region. The country faces significant challenges, including ranking consistently low on the UN’s Human Development Index and contending with two distinct jihadist insurgencies stemming from neighboring Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
While Niger has been grappling with the aftermath of the coup and the emergence of military rule, the international community is closely watching the situation. France’s refusal to accept the new regime and the subsequent expulsion of its ambassador have brought longstanding diplomatic ties into question. As efforts to restore civilian rule continue and neighboring countries respond to the crisis, the path forward remains uncertain.
