France has announced the indefinite closure of its embassy in Niger and the termination of the employment contracts of embassy staff.
The announcement is contained in a letter sent to embassy staff and seen by Xinhua on Friday.
French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, said in the letter that since the coup and the violent attack in July, the French embassy has not been able to carry out a full range of functions devolved to a diplomatic representation.
It stated that this was due to the restrictions imposed on it by the Nigerien authorities.
Read Related News:
ECOWAS Parliament divided over military intervention in Niger
Despite repeated requests, the competent Nigerien authorities have not responded favourably to the maintenance of the activities of the French Embassy in Niger under normal conditions, he added.
The decision to close the embassy came just hours before the departure of 1,500 French soldiers previously based in Niger.
This was part of the process of French disengagement at the request of Niger’s new authorities.
It also followed the expulsion of the current French ambassador and the denunciation of defence agreements by Niamey. (Xinhua)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com