France has officially closed its embassy in Niger Republic in the week, marking the culmination of months of intensifying tensions between the diplomatic mission and the host country, where a military coup disrupted the civilian administration led by President Mohamed Bazoum in July.

Mr Bazoum had maintained an amicable relationship with the country’s former colonisers, who wielded significant influence over Niger’s political and economic landscape.

However, his presidency was abruptly terminated by military leaders in July, leading to a shift in the dynamics of diplomatic relations.

Former Ambassador Sylvain Itté, along with other French staff, departed the country in September amidst escalating diplomatic hostilities.

The military government not only demanded the ambassador’s exit but also besieged the embassy premises in the capital city of Niamey.

In a letter, Mr Itté revealed that the embassy had to dismiss local staffers employed by the mission.

He clarified that the closure is indefinite, citing the embassy’s inability to “function normally or fulfil its missions” under the new diplomatic framework imposed by the military leaders. The latter claim they are realigning the previously imbalanced bilateral relationship.

The closure of the embassy coincided with the withdrawal of the last contingent of French troops, who were evacuated from Niger in compliance with directives from the newly established military government.