Niger: French ambassador held hostage, denied meals after Emmanuel Macron refuses to recall its diplomats. Here is what we all know up to now

On Friday (September 15), French President Emmanuel Macron knowledgeable the media that the nation’s ambassador Sylvain Itte and different diplomats had been held hostage on the French embassy in Niamey in Niger.

The improvement got here months after the navy junta within the West African nation ousted the incumbent President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup d’état. Macron acknowledged that the French diplomats have been compelled to eat navy rations and that meals was prevented from being delivered to the embassy.

He added, “As we speak, we have an ambassador and diplomatic staff who are literally being held hostage in the French embassy.” In a video that has surfaced on social media, makes an attempt to ship meals to the embassy have been thwarted by Niger’s navy junta.

🇳🇪 The navy caught a meals smuggled, who tried to carry breakfast illegally to the French embassy in Niger.

No croissants for the staff … pic.twitter.com/zdCTlLzPNr

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 13, 2023

“(Sylvain Itte) cannot go out, he is persona non grata and he is being refused food,” the French President was additionally heard saying. In late August 2023, French ambassador Sylvain Itte was directed to depart Niger by the nation’s new self-proclaimed chief Abdourahamane Tchiani.

His visa was revoked and the cops have been directed to expel the French ambassador. However, Macron refused to conform, a call which was additionally supported by the European Union (EU).

France additionally condemned the navy coup in Niger and vowed to barter the scenario solely with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. “I will do whatever we agree on with President Bazoum because he is the legitimate authority and I speak with him every day,” Macron had stated.

The French Ambassador to Niger being escorted out of the embassy in Niamey amidst boos and jeers. People’s energy at work.

France has no place in Niger and west Africa! pic.twitter.com/DSYHG8sfEA

— Myron Thee OG (@myron_mhindi) September 14, 2023

Amidst the rising anti-French sentiment in Niger, a video of Sylvain Itte being booed by native residents in Niamey has now surfaced on social media. Reportedly, there are about 1,500 French troopers within the West African nation.

Coup d’état in Niger and its aftermath

On July 26, the navy of Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who was the previous chief of the Presidential Guard, seized energy within the Sahel nation by eradicating President Mohammad Bazoum. Bazoum has been in detention since.

As per reviews, a diplomatic mission, led by US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland had travelled to Niger’s capital Nimaye. However, they might solely meet the brand new navy chief of workers  Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, not the brand new chief General Abdourahamane Tchiani or the deposed President Bazoum.

As per reviews, the Niger navy leaders, who now rule the nation, dismissed the threats of financial sanctions and withdrawal of navy and monetary assist from the USA. Nigers’ navy management has defied all threats and deadlines to reinstate the President. 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened an emergency assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, on July thirtieth, demanding the fast launch and reinstatement of Mohamed Bazoum.

ECOWAS, a regional bloc, issued a one-week ultimatum to the navy authorities in Niger, insisting on their compliance and warning of potential actions, together with the usage of power, to revive constitutional order.

This coup d’état poses a major menace to peace and stability, not solely in Niger but additionally within the wider Sahel area. The latest coup displays deeper points inside the nation, together with ethnic tensions, the presence of overseas forces, and the constraints of regional organizations.

Insecurity and financial stagnation have contributed to the nation’s fragility, regardless of the presence of overseas navy forces, notably from the US and France. These forces have been unable to quell rebel assaults by teams akin to Al-Qaeda, Islamic State associates, and Boko Haram, leading to quite a few casualties and displacements over the previous decade.

The implications of the latest coup are far-reaching, affecting Niger’s worldwide alliances and efforts to handle safety and migration challenges. The new navy management could search to leverage these points in negotiations and to legitimize their regime.