The French ambassador to Niger and other French diplomats are “literally held hostage in the French embassy”, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Côte D’Or region of France on Friday (15), Macron said that “food was prevented from being delivered” to the embassy in Niamey, and that the ambassador was “eating rations military”.
The ambassador, Sylvain Itte, “cannot leave, he is persona non grata and he is being refused food”, Macron also said.
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After taking control of the West African country in July, the military junta ordered Itte to leave the country. He later revoked his visa and instructed police to expel him.
But the diplomat remained in office, according to the French presidency, with French authorities reiterating that they do not recognize the authority of the junta.
Asked whether he would work to bring the ambassador home, Macron emphasized the authority of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum: “I will do everything we agree with President Bazoum because he is the legitimate authority and I speak to him every day.”
Itte is still working, according to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
“The ambassador is working, I can confirm that, and he is very useful through his contacts, his team; there is still a small team with him,” Colonna said in an interview with French television channel LCI.
Colonna added that Itte “will stay as long as we want him to stay” and that his return is Macron’s decision.
Source: CNN Brasil
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