Macron claims the revolutionaries in Niger are "holding" the French ambassador

  The French President, Emmanuel Macron, claimed yesterday Friday that the ambassador of his country in Niger, Sylvain Itte, is "detained" by the military regime of the West African country, pointing out that the food he is eating is "military food ration." Macron added that his country has ambassadors and diplomatic staff "detained" in the French embassy in Niamey, and that the Niger army is withholding food from those diplomats. It will be remembered that last August, Niger's military rulers ordered the French ambassadors to leave the country within 48 hours, while the relationship between Niamey and the former colony continues to deteriorate. The action was taken after France continued its colonial ideas and disrespected the orders of the new government of Niger that came to power through a military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum, who the people of Niger say was a big puppet of France.

France immediately protested the decision, saying that it does not recognize the authority of the military rulers. The police in Niger continue to surround the buildings of the French embassy in Niamey, while the Military Council that governs the country took the decision to ban the activities of international and non-governmental organizations. Thousands of Nigeriens have been protesting near the French army camp in the capital Niamey with the aim of announcing their support for the military government and demanding the immediate withdrawal of French troops from the West African country. On July 26, 2023, Niger's presidential bodyguards staged a coup against the country's president, Mohamed Bazoum; and the head of the guards, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, announced himself as the new leader of the country and the head of the transitional council.