Ahmad 
According to diplomatic sources, Paris decided to close its embassy in Niger, after it was unable to work normally or perform its duties following the military coup in late July.
The move follows Niamey’s announcement on December 12 that all French soldiers deployed in the fight against jihadists will leave the country by Friday, December 22, 2023.
The development came after the African nation deported the core part of French diplomats earlier this year.
Following the coup, the ruling junta demanded the departure of the roughly 1,500 French military personnel and annulled a number of military agreements between Niamey and Paris.
The council also announced in late August the expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Eté, who had to stay on the diplomatic mission for a month before he could leave the country. French President Emmanuel Macron said at the time that the ambassador was a hostage.
Eté confirmed to French broadcaster TF1 in late September that Nigerien companies that had been supplying the embassy with supplies and services had been threatened.
The military coup in Niger on July 26 strained relations between Niger and France, with Paris demanding military intervention to thwart the army’s moves against ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.