The French embassy in Niamey remains closed until further notice, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday. In a press release, Paris cites “serious obstacles” to embassy missions which go against the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Among the problems mentioned by the ministry are “a blockade around the embassy, movement restrictions imposed on staff and an entry ban on diplomatic personnel traveling to Niger.” These difficulties led to the decision to transfer the consular activities of the embassy to the French consulates in West Africa.
This situation comes after the withdrawal of French troops from Niger in mid-December, sparking much speculation. The press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies that the activities of the Niger embassy will now be carried out from Paris.
Diplomatic representatives will maintain links with French citizens in Niger and financially support NGOs working in the humanitarian sector to help local populations.
Relations between Paris and Niamey deteriorated following the military coup in July. At the end of August, the Nigerien military regime ordered the expulsion of French ambassador Sylvain Itté.
The closure of the French embassy in Niamey illustrates the persistent tensions between the two countries. This also poses challenges for French people living in Niger, who will now have to turn to consulates in West Africa for consular services.
This situation also highlights the importance of diplomacy and international relations in maintaining stability and cooperation between nations. In an increasingly interconnected world, incidents occurring in one country can have repercussions on several others.
It is therefore essential that governments work together to resolve disputes peacefully and find solutions that benefit everyone. The closure of the French embassy in Niamey should not be seen as a failure, but as an opportunity to strengthen relations and find compromises that allow us to move forward.