Macron: French Amb. to Niger "Literally being Held Hostage”

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Friday that his country's ambassador to Niger was being held "hostage" by soldiers who took power in the country after the overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Macron said - in a statement during his tour in the "Côte d'Or" region (in northeastern France): "At the time I am speaking to you ... in Niger, we have an ambassador and diplomatic members who were taken hostage in the French embassy," adding that the food he eats is military rations.

The military junta, which took power in Niger on July 26, demands the departure of the French ambassador from the country and has canceled a number of military cooperation agreements with France, which deploys 1,500 soldiers in the country.

On August 31, the military junta in Niger instructed the police to expel the French ambassador in Niamey, after giving him 48 hours to leave the country. However, President Emmanuel Macron said - in his speech during the “Ambassadors’ Conference” in Paris - that the French ambassador would remain in Niger, despite pressure from the leaders of the military junta.

Paris still considers President Mohamed Bazoum, who is detained by the military junta, to be the legitimate president of the country and has so far refused to respond to the demands of those who overthrew the elected president.