The French government’s move to declare two Nigerien intelligence operatives persona non grata has once again exposed the depth of the crisis between Paris and Niamey. The two men, officially assigned to Niger’s embassy in Paris, were ordered to leave France in mid-September, a decision that underscores how far the bilateral relationship has deteriorated since the July 2023 coup in Niamey. What lies beneath this latest expulsion is a story of severed channels, mutual suspicion, and a partnership that has been steadily unraveling for over three years.
Expulsion of two Nigerien agents: what Paris and Niamey say
France expelled two officers of the Direction générale de la documentation et de la sécurité extérieure (DGDSE), Niger’s foreign intelligence service, who were formally accredited to the Nigerien embassy in Paris. The two men were declared persona non grata on September 16 and left French territory three days later, according to information published on October 8, 2026.
A French diplomatic source cited in the reports said their presence could no longer be justified because of the absence of bilateral cooperation between Paris and Niamey. A Nigerien source, however, claimed that one of the agents was suspected of conducting surveillance activities targeting Nigerien opposition figures living in France. The episode highlights the practical difficulties diplomatic missions face when political trust between states collapses.
July 2023: the tipping point that changed everything
To grasp the significance of this expulsion, one must go back to July 26, 2023, when President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by soldiers of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP), led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Paris, which had supported the deposed president and demanded the restoration of constitutional order, refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new military authorities. Niamey, in turn, denounced France’s stance and rejected what it described as interference in its internal affairs.
The crisis quickly moved beyond political statements. On August 25, 2023, Nigerien authorities gave French ambassador Sylvain Itté 48 hours to leave the country. Paris disputed the decision, arguing that the new authorities lacked the legitimacy to end his functions. After weeks of standoff, President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 24, 2023, the ambassador’s departure and the withdrawal of French troops stationed in Niger. The military pullout was completed by the end of 2023, marking a major turning point in relations.
A cycle of expulsions and countermeasures
The crisis was not limited to the ambassador’s exit. It brought restrictions on nationals, visas, and diplomatic activities. In February 2024, reports indicated that several French citizens had been turned back upon arrival in Niamey despite holding valid travel documents. According to accounts at the time, Nigerien authorities were requiring special authorizations for certain French travelers. Paris had also revoked several visas granted to Nigerien nationals, in a context of reciprocal retaliation.
The French embassy in Niamey subsequently closed, with French authorities citing serious obstacles to its operations. In May 2024, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed to the Senate that the closure would continue until further notice. The current decision targeting two Nigerien agents thus fits into a long series of measures that have progressively shrunk the possibilities for direct dialogue between the two states.
The broader political and security realignment
Beyond the expulsions, the Franco-Nigerien crisis reflects a political reorientation in Niger. The military authorities in Niamey have gradually strengthened ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, both also led by military regimes that came to power through coups. The three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to reinforce the political and security sovereignty of its members.
At the same time, the French military presence—long presented by Paris as a key element in the fight against armed groups in the region—came to an end in Niger. Nigerien authorities have repeatedly criticized French policy in the Sahel, while Paris has defended its actions and denounced obstacles placed before its representatives. This evolution fits into a regional context where sovereignty, security, military partnerships, and control over resources are central to public debate.
The expulsion of the two agents also recalls that even when political relations are deeply degraded, diplomatic missions and intelligence activities remain sensitive matters. The official presence of personnel linked to intelligence services in an embassy is not, in itself, unusual in international relations. However, any accusation of clandestine activity must be examined in light of verifiable evidence.
What future for Paris-Niamey dialogue?
The new French measure is another indicator of the weakness of bilateral relations. It does not necessarily mean a total diplomatic break, since Niger’s embassy in Paris remains open. But it confirms that cooperation between the two countries remains severely hampered.
For Nigerien and French populations alike, the consequences go beyond diplomacy. Reduced institutional exchanges can complicate consular procedures, economic relations, cooperation projects, and consultation mechanisms on regional security.
The central question remains under what conditions a normalization might occur. That would require functional communication channels, a clarification of disputes, and the political will on both sides to resume dialogue without abandoning positions each government considers essential. In the meantime, the expulsion of the two Nigerien agents appears as another episode in a crisis that began in July 2023 and whose effects continue to be felt. Between mistrust, accusations, and strategic distancing, Paris and Niamey face a major challenge: preserving the means of diplomatic communication even as the trust that once underpinned them has eroded considerably.