In recent times, a military force has entered the African country of Niger, and this has led to protests against France in the country. In this situation, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that their embassy staff and diplomats in the country have been confined to the French embassy in Niger.
Speaking to journalists during a trip to the Coté d’Ivoire region of France on Friday, President Macron said that in Niger, the French embassy staff and other French nationals “have been confined to the French embassy in the literal sense.” This news was reported by CNN.
He mentioned that they were prevented from supplying food to the embassy and that the French Ambassador in Niger, Sylvain Itté, has been prevented from leaving the country. Macron also noted that even in the field of providing food, restrictions were imposed.
In July, the military in the West African country took control. Since then, they have ordered the French Ambassador to leave the country. The junta administration revoked his visa and instructed the police to enforce his expulsion.
However, France has stated that they will not bring the Ambassador back from Niger. The French authorities have reiterated that they do not recognize the junta’s authority.
Regarding whether he would work to bring the Ambassador back to the country, Macron said, “We’ll see what we can do with Niger’s powerless president, Bazoum, whom we work with and whom I talk to every day.”
France’s Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, says that Ambassador Itté is still working. She said, “The Ambassador is working, I can assure you. He is still accompanied by a small team.”
Colonna added that as long as they want to keep the French Ambassador in Niger, he will remain there. President Macron will decide on this matter.
Please note that this translation is based on the provided text and may not be a perfect representation of idiomatic English.
