French Ambassador Held Hostage in Niger Embassy, Macron Condemns Situation

French President Emmanuel Macron accuses Niger's military rulers of blocking food deliveries to the French Embassy in Niamey, where Ambassador Sylvain Itte is living "like a hostage" and eating military rations. The coup leaders had ordered the ambassador to leave, but France refused. Macron stated that he will take cues from President Mohamed Bazoum, the legitimate authority in Niger, regarding the ambassador's status. France still has over 1,000 soldiers stationed in Niger, and the coup leaders have called for their departure as well. The situation remains tense as diplomatic ties between France and Niger are strained.