Niger : The people, satisfied with the closure of the French embassy

Announced before Christmas, France officially closed its embassy in Niger on Tuesday. This closure marks the end of the showdown between Niamey and Paris. It is a new stage of sovereignty celebrated by the Nigerien people, who now advocate for reciprocity based on mutual respect.

The resistance of the Nigerien people is unwavering and applies to all institutions that challenge the interests of the Nation.

The embassy building is now vacant, with Nigerien police officers on duty overseeing it.

The M62 movement welcomes this closure, long-awaited by the people. According to the movement, the state should sever all political and economic ties with France until there are authorities capable of dealing with Niger on an equal footing.

For the Nigerien civil society, it is now time to negotiate on an equal and fair basis with France and other states. There is no longer room for blackmail, and if France closes its embassy in retaliation, it must do the same for its companies and enterprises that have been exploiting Niger for a long time.

Indeed, for the past five months, the French embassy has been under great pressure, making it impossible to carry out its missions : a blockade around the embassy, restrictions on movements for agents, and the refusal of all diplomatic personnel who were supposed to join Niger.

From now on, Niger is moving towards total independence, which must be felt in actions and deeds.

In Niger, many believe there will be no reprisals from France, but they still call for vigilance. It is now time for Niger to personally take control of its development.

Justine Ako.