Paris - French President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Friday that the French Ambassador to Niger and other French diplomats are currently facing a situation where they are "effectively being held against their will at the French Embassy," as reported by CNN.

Tensions have escalated between France and Niger's new military leadership since France refused to recognize the coup that occurred on July 26, which resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally. President Emmanuel Macron has continued to express support for Bazoum, who remains in detention.

During Macron's visit to the Golden Coast region in France, he disclosed that food supplies to the French Embassy in Niamey had been obstructed, leading to the ambassador having to rely on military rations. Macron stated, "Food was prevented from being delivered to the embassy in Niamey," and added that the French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, "cannot go out," according to CNN.

It had been reported that the military junta initially ordered Itte to leave the country immediately following their seizure of power in July. However, they later revoked his visa and instructed the police to expel him, as CNN reported.

Despite these challenges, Macron asserted that Itte remained in his post, and French authorities reiterated their non-recognition of the junta's authority. When asked about the possibility of bringing the ambassador back to France, Macron emphasized that his actions would be in alignment with President Mohamed Bazoum, whom he recognized as the legitimate authority and with whom he maintained daily communication.

Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna confirmed that Ambassador Itte is still performing his duties and remains an important diplomatic asset. Colonna stated, "The ambassador is working, I can confirm that, and he is very useful through his contacts, his team; there is still a small team with him," as reported by CNN. She also mentioned that Itte's return would be contingent on Macron's decision.

Reports indicate that France is engaged in discussions with the Nigerien military regarding the potential withdrawal of French troops from the West African country due to deteriorating relations following the July coup. These discussions, as confirmed by Nicolas Normand, a former French ambassador, are aimed at a "partial" evacuation of soldiers and are characterized as a technical dialogue rather than a recognition of the coup leaders.

In response to the coup, thousands of people in Niamey rallied in support of the new regime's firm stance against the former colonial power and their demand for the expulsion of the French ambassador and military personnel from Niger.