Paris/Niamey, 2 January 2024 (dpa/MIA) — France has closed its embassy in Niger until further notice, saying the work of its diplomatic staff has become practically impossible since the military coup in the West African country five months ago.

The embassy has been blockaded, staff have been obstructed and diplomatic employees have been prevented from travelling to Niger, the French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The embassy is continuing its work from Paris and consular activities are being taken over by French consulates in the region, it said.

The French ambassador left Niger several months ago. Shortly before Christmas, the former colonial power France also withdrew its soldiers from the West African country.

The presidential guard deposed Niger's head of state Mohamed Bazoum in a coup at the end of July. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who suspended the constitutional order, is now in power, though France, along with other Western and African states, does not recognise the new government. However, the US and Germany have now agreed with the junta to continue their military co-operation with the country under certain conditions.

Niger, with a population of around 26 million, was the last democratic ally of the US, France and other European countries in the fight against Islamist militias in the Sahel region, where jihadists are continuing to gain influence.