French Ambassador Held Hostage at Embassy in Niger, Macron States

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Ité, along with other French diplomats, are "literally being held hostage at the French embassy," according to CNN.

During a visit to the Côte d'Or region of France, Macron stated that the embassy in Niamey is not receiving food supplies, and the ambassador is relying on military rations for sustenance.

"Ambassador Sylvain Ité cannot go out onto the street; he has been declared persona non grata, and he is not being provided with food," Macron said.

After seizing power in Niger in July, the military junta ordered Ité to leave the country. Subsequently, his visa was revoked, and local police were instructed to deport him. However, the diplomat remained, as French authorities have reiterated their non-recognition of the junta's authority.

In response to questions about the possibility of the ambassador returning to France, Macron emphasized the legitimacy of Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. "I will do everything to reach an agreement with President Bazoum, because he is the legitimate authority, and I speak with him every day," he stated.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna noted that Ité continues to work. "The ambassador is working, I can confirm that, and he is very helpful to his team," Colonna said in an interview with the LCI French television channel. She added that Ité "will stay as long as we wish him to stay" and that the question of his return is up to Macron's decision.