Stéphane Jullien, advisor to French people living abroad in Niger, was arrested on September 8 in Niamey. This arrest sparked strong reactions from the French authorities who called for his “immediate release”. Jullien, who has lived in Niger for around twenty years, chose to stay in the country during the evacuation of French nationals in August.
The reasons for his arrest remain unclear, but according to available information, Jullien was arrested as he was leaving the French embassy in his vehicle. Nigerien security forces carried out a search and found uniforms in the colors of the Burkina Faso army among his belongings. This discovery was considered suspicious, which led to his arrest and detention at the Niamey Prison.
For the moment, no charges have been brought against him, but the case is being handled by the General Directorate of External Security, which reports to the Nigerien presidency. French diplomacy claims to have been mobilized since day one to ensure consular protection for Jullien, but only announced his detention recently.
Stéphane Jullien is also the head of an import-export company in Niger, which may explain the presence of military uniforms in his business. Despite the anti-French rhetoric of the CNSP putschists, Jullien said he did not feel threatened during an interview with RFI.
This arrest raises questions about the security of French nationals in Niger and the role of the Nigerien authorities in this affair. France continues to call for his immediate release and to closely monitor the unfolding of this situation.