A French official detained in Niger final week has been launched, the French authorities stated on Thursday.
The arrest heightened tensions between France and Niger, the place army officers deposed an elected president final month and ordered French officers to depart.
France’s Overseas Ministry stated in a press release that Stephane Jullien, counsellor for French residents overseas, was launched Wednesday, 5 days after he was arrested. It did not present particulars in regards to the launch, or in regards to the purpose for his arrest. The French authorities had urged his liberation.
Army officers in Niger overthrew and detained elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July and final month ordered the French ambassador to depart the nation. France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, has refused to heed the order, saying that the junta is not the nation’s official authority.
French Ambassador Sylvain Itte was requested to depart Niger in a letter from the Nigerien Overseas Ministry that accused him of ignoring an invite for a gathering with the ministry. The letter additionally cited actions of the French authorities opposite to the pursuits of Niger.
Almost 1,500 French troops are primarily based in Niger to assist native forces battle Islamic extremists. Nevertheless, the army cooperation has been suspended for the reason that coup, whose leaders claimed that Bazoum’s authorities wasn’t doing sufficient to guard the nation from the insurgency.
The junta is now beneath sanctions by Western and regional African powers.