France to Close Embassy in Niger

France is planning to close its embassy in Niger, citing its inability to "operate normally or carry out its duties" following the military coup in late July, according to diplomatic sources on Thursday.

The sources, as reported by the French news agency AFP, stated, "Taking this situation into account, we have decided to close our embassy shortly."

They also noted that the French mission had initiated procedures for the "redeployment and compensation" of local staff.

Diplomatic sources explained, "After the attack on our embassy last July 30, and after the establishment of a blockade around our premises by the Nigerien forces, we had, at the end of September, evacuated most of our diplomatic staff."

"The French Embassy in Niger is therefore no longer able to function normally or carry out its missions. Acknowledging this situation, we have decided to close our embassy soon and, in this context, proceed with the dismissal and compensation of our local staff," they continued.

A coup on July 26th ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who had close ties with Western countries, including France, the former colonial power. The military council announced the expulsion of the French ambassador from Niamey and requested that French forces deployed in Niger leave the country.

In early October, France began withdrawing over 1,500 troops from Niger who had been present for several years under a military cooperation agreement aimed at combating terrorism and organized crime networks.