Despite being asked to leave Niger within 48 hours, the French Ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, did not depart at the end of the ultimatum. In response to the French authorities’ refusal to accept the expulsion of their diplomatic representative, the Nigerien junta has taken coercive measures against him.
Sylvain Itte, the French Ambassador to Niamey, now finds himself without privileges and immunity. He is now in a vulnerable situation and could face forced expulsion. In a letter dated August 29, 2023, addressed to the French authorities, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced the cancellation of diplomatic cards and visas for the French ambassador and his family.
The letter explicitly states that security services have been instructed to carry out the expulsion of the French ambassador, who has remained in his position despite the junta’s ultimatum.
Furthermore, the coup leaders have reminded the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs that any observations regarding the ambassador’s approval are “irrelevant.”
