French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the French ambassador to Niger remains in Niamey, even as rebel factions demanded his departure from the country. The public revelation came during a conference that gathered the heads of France’s diplomatic missions, broadcast on a major TV channel. The president noted, specifically, that the incumbent ambassador is still in place in Niamey and continued to fulfill his duties amid the escalating tensions.
Macron’s remarks were reported as part of a broader briefing in which he emphasized the continuity of France’s diplomatic presence in Niger despite the current political upheaval. Observers highlighted that this stance underscores France’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the region and its attempt to maintain formal channels of communication with Niger’s government and institutions during a period of disruption.
Meanwhile, a senior adviser connected to the former leadership of the alliance formed by Niger’s rebel factions reportedly clarified that only the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, was formally expelled from Niger. The adviser stressed that the expulsions involved one ambassador, not a wave of removals across multiple countries, and that the situation remains tightly focused on the French diplomat while other nations’ diplomats were not subjected to similar orders.
In addition, a representative for the current Nigerien authorities dismissed rumors that the United States, Germany, and Nigeria had been asked to withdraw their ambassadors within 48 hours. Officials asserted that no such ultimatum had been issued to those posts, though they acknowledged ongoing consultations around the diplomatic presence of foreign powers in Niger during the crisis.
Historical tensions in Niger escalated on a troubling night when President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife were briefly detained by members of their personal protective detail while security events unfolded. On the following day, the Nigerien Armed Forces announced the suspension of government operations, imposed a curfew, and closed national borders as part of a broader security and stabilization effort. The sequence of actions reflected deep concern about the country’s direction and the risk of escalation amid competing loyalties and external influences.
Analysts and observers warned that any external intervention could grossly increase the risk of bloodshed and further destabilize an already fragile political landscape. The evolving situation has prompted a careful watch from regional partners and international organizations, who have called for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes as Niger seeks to restore order and protect civilian governance during this tense period.