The French presidency announced on Wednesday that its ambassador to Niger has left the country, confirming earlier reports.
Earlier, two security sources informed Reuters that the French ambassador had departed Niger by air on Wednesday morning.
According to a source within Niger's ruling military council, the ambassador left Niger on a military plane to Chad at 4 a.m.
Niger and France have historically shared close diplomatic and military ties, with France playing a significant role in the region's counter-terrorism efforts. The departure of the ambassador comes amid a backdrop of security and political challenges in the Sahel region.
While the specific reasons for this sudden move remain unclarified, such developments often hint at underlying diplomatic tensions or security concerns. It's crucial to monitor subsequent official announcements to grasp the broader implications of this departure.