Niger condemns France over expulsion of two embassy agents

The government of Niger has condemned France following the expulsion of two embassy security agents and their families from French territory. Nigerien Justice Minister Alio Daouda described the move as a ‘serious and unacceptable act of ingratitude,’ particularly regarding the treatment of officer Abdoul-Razak Ibrahim Moussa Toro.

Toro was reportedly injured during a 2014 mission in Diffa, Niger, while operating alongside French forces to combat Boko Haram. The minister noted that Toro was left paraplegic after being stabbed during that mission and was subsequently evacuated to France for medical treatment. Niamey argues that the officer’s past service and cooperation with French-funded operations should have warranted protection rather than expulsion.

While Niger maintains the men were embassy security, French diplomatic sources stated they were intelligence agents whose presence was no longer justified following the end of bilateral cooperation. Reports suggest one individual was suspected of monitoring opposition figures in France.

The expulsion occurred in mid-September 2026, after the agents were declared persona non grata. Although the Versailles Administrative Court later annulled the original departure order and instructed the French Foreign Ministry to reconsider the case, the agents and their families had already departed France.