French diplomats, including the Ambassador to Niger, are effectively being held against their will in the French Embassy, according to President Emmanuel Macron, CNN reported.
During a press briefing while visiting the Côte-d'Or region in France on Friday, Macron stated that they faced difficulties delivering food supplies to the embassy in Niamey, and as a result, the ambassador had to resort to consuming military rations.
President Macron emphasized that Ambassador Sylvain Itte could not leave the embassy and was regarded as persona non grata. Furthermore, he mentioned that Itte was being denied food, indicating a tense situation.
This situation arose after the military junta, which seized control in Niger in July, ordered Ambassador Itte to leave the country. Later, they invalidated his visa and instructed the local police to expel him. However, as Macron underlined, the diplomat remained in the embassy, and the French government consistently refused to recognize the junta's authority.
In response to a question regarding potential efforts to bring the ambassador back to France, Macron stressed the importance of the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, as the legitimate authority. He mentioned ongoing daily communication with Bazoum and expressed his commitment to coordinate with him.
France's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, affirmed that Ambassador Itte was still fulfilling his diplomatic duties. She mentioned that he remained an active presence, aided by his team's contacts.
Colonna clarified that a small team continued to work alongside him. Furthermore, she noted that Itte's return to France would be determined by Macron's decision.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)