France has confirmed its planned closure of its embassy in Niger indefinitely as tensions between the two countries escalate.
A letter by former French ambassador Sylvain Itté explained that the embassy is no longer able to function normally or fulfill its missions due to restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government.
Itté and several French staff left the country, a month after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July while Local embassy staff were dismissed.
The announcement of the embassy’s closure comes shortly before the expiry of the military government’s deadline for the exit of French troops on Friday.
The troops have been stationed in the country to help in the fight against jihadist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
