France Announces Indefinite Closure of its Embassy in Niger

Paris, January 02 (QNA) – France announced today the closure of its embassy in Niger for an unspecified date, after relations between the two countries deteriorated, following a military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, and the formation of a ruling military council.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in France explained in a statement that the embassy faced severe obstacles during five months, making it impossible to carry out its duties. It noted that its staff faced difficulties in their movement, which is a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations between States.
France decided two weeks ago to close its embassy in Niger, after its inability to operate or carry out its duties normally, while diplomatic sources indicated that after the attack against the embassy on July 30, and after the closure of its headquarters by Nigerian forces, in late September it began to deport the main part of its diplomatic apparatus.
The embassy closure comes amid tensions between France and Niger’s military council, which announced in August the cancelation of military agreements with France, and demanded the departure of the French ambassador and French troops from the country. (QNA)