The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for the immediate release of a French official being held by security forces in Niger on Tuesday. The ministry stated that security forces arrested an adviser for French citizens in the African nation on September 8. "From day one, our embassy has worked to ensure consular protection for our citizens," it said.
The official in question serves as an adviser for French citizens abroad, being an elected representative for French expatriates and working closely with the country's embassies and consulates. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, there are 442 advisers worldwide who assist French expatriates with issues related to work, study, social security, and other matters. They are elected for six-year terms.
Last month, the military council in Niger ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador, highlighting the deterioration of relations between France and its former colony. Paris has stated that the army officers who seized power in Niamey in late July do not have the authority to expel the French ambassador.
