France to decide fate of embassy in Niger when ambassador returns: Foreign Ministry

PARIS (AA) – France will look into how its embassy in Niger is operating once Ambassador Sylvain Itte returns, a French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Responding to Anadolu’s question during a weekly news conference, Anne-Claire Legendre said during the 78th UN General Assembly, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and various partners of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc.

“They all reiterated their support for ECOWAS in reestablishing constitutional order in Niger. We all agreed on the prompt release of Niger’s President (Mohamed) Bazoum, who was ousted by military intervention. We are on the same page on this matter,” said Legendre. “Our support for ECOWAS will remain steadfast.”

She said French President Emmanuel Macron decided to withdraw troops from Niger after a telephone call with Bazoum.

Macron announced Sunday the planned withdrawal of soldiers deployed in Niger by the end of the year, and the return to Paris of Itte.

The announcement came after weeks of protests against the French army’s presence in Niger. It was welcomed by the Nigerien military as “a historic moment that reflects the determination and will of the Nigerien people.”

Niger plunged into turmoil July 26 when Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted Bazoum.

The country hosts 1,500 French troops as part of a regional counter-insurgency force.

But relations between Niger and France sharply deteriorated after Bazoum’s ouster.

Military leaders announced Aug. 3 the scrapping of military agreements with France, a decision Paris said was rubbish, citing a lack of legitimacy.

In August, the military expelled Itte but he refused to leave, even after military authorities revoked diplomatic privileges.