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France is closing its embassy in Niger indefinitely as tensions between the two countries escalate.<\/p>\n
The embassy says it is “no longer able to function normally or fulfil its missions” due to restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government.<\/p>\n
Local embassy staff have also been dismissed, former French ambassador Sylvain Itt\u00e9 said in a letter.<\/p>\n
Niger’s relationship with France has soured since the military toppled President Mohamed Bazoum in July.<\/p>\n
In September, Mr Itt\u00e9 and several French staff left the country, a month after the military regime ordered the ambassador’s exit and set up a blockade around the embassy premises in the capital, Niamey.<\/p>\n
The embassy had been attacked by thousands of pro-junta protestors shortly after the coup, but were dispersed by Nigerien forces before they could enter the building.<\/p>\n
The announcement of the embassy’s closure comes shortly before the expiry of the military government’s deadline for the exit of French troops on Friday.<\/p>\n
They have been stationed in the country to help in the fight against jihadist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State.<\/p>\n
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