France closes embassy in Niger, five dead after inferno at Tokyo airport

France has closed its embassy in Niger until further notice. Since the military coup in the West African country five months ago, the embassy’s work has become virtually impossible, the Foreign Ministry in Paris said on Tuesday.

The embassy was blocked, officials were obstructed and diplomatic staff were prevented from entering Niger. The embassy will continue its work from Paris and consular activities will be taken over by French consulates in the region.

The French ambassador had already left Niger months ago. Shortly before Christmas, the former colonial power France also withdrew its soldiers from Niger.

At the end of July, the presidential guard in Niger deposed head of state Mohamed Bazoum. The ruler is now General Abdourahamane Tiani, who has suspended the constitutional order. France, like other Western and African states, does not recognize the new government. However, the US and Germany have now agreed with the junta to continue their military cooperation with the country under certain conditions.

Niger, with a population of about 26 million, was the last democratic ally of the US, France and other European countries in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region, where jihadists are spreading increasingly widely. (sda/dpa)