French president says his ambassador to Niger is being 'held hostage' at the embassy

French Ambassador to Niger Sylvain Itté is being "held hostage" in the embassy.

This was stated by French President Emanuel Macron, France 24 reports.

According to the French President, Sylvain Itté is persona non grata in Niger. The ambassador is not allowed to go outside. The military will also refuse to give him food.

After the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, French Ambassador Sylvain Itté was given a 48-hour ultimatum to leave. The French government refused to comply with the military junta's conditions and recognise their regime.

"I will do whatever we agree on with President Bazoum because he is the legitimate authority, and I speak with him every day," Macron told reporters.

At the same time, there are approximately 1,500 French soldiers in Niger. Earlier, France stated that the relocation of its army could only be achieved through negotiations with Bazoum. 

It will be recalled that Svidomi talked about Niger, the impact of French colonisation on its present and the coup d'état that took place in July 2023.