NIGER: Consular official arrested in Niamey: France plans to hush up the case by ordering his unconditional release
Things are getting more complicated for Stéphane Jullien, a consular official based in Niamey, who was arrested on Friday September 8th after a detailed search of his van by Nigerien forces, which turned up Burkinabe military accessories. In an official statement on Tuesday, French diplomats called for «his immediate release», without mentioning the reasons for his arrest.
The tension between Niger and France following the impeachment of President Mohammed Bazoum is far from over.
The tug-of-war between the two states continues; the new Niger authorities, like the previous regime, do not intend to be complicit in or validate any shady dealings by the former coloniser against neighbouring countries in the sub-region.
Resolutely committed to putting an end to France’s dirty politics in the country and in the Sahel as a whole, and to expelling Ambassador Sylvain Itté despite the refusal of the French authorities to recall him, Nigerien forces have stepped up security and control operations in the neighbourhood of the French diplomatic representation.
After a search of a vehicle leaving the embassy, a staggering discovery was made that led to the arrest of the vehicle’s owner, Stéphane Jullien, councillor for the French abroad.
Shamelessly, the Quai d’Orsay published an official press release on Tuesday 12 September calling for «his immediate release», without mentioning the charges against this French citizen. As if it were just a minor matter to be dismissed out of hand.
«France is following with the utmost attention the situation of Mr Stéphane Jullien, an adviser to the French abroad based in Niger, who was arrested on 8 September by Nigerien security forces. It calls for his immediate release. From day one, our embassy has been fully mobilised to ensure consular protection for our compatriot», wrote the French diplomatic service.
Some wonder how the French authorities would have reacted if the roles had been reversed and this event had occurred in France, where a Nigerien diplomat was seen in possession of the military uniforms of a European country.
Would they have let the Nigerien leave without investigating?
While we wait for light to be shed on why the French embassy in Niger is holding Burkinabe army fatigues and other accessories, it is important to congratulate and encourage the Niger soldiers for having lifted the veil on the murky role of France and its diplomatic representations.
The former colonial power thinks it can get away with anything on the African continent and thinks it can always get away with giving orders to its former colonies.
In recent years, the African people seem to have woken up from a deep sleep, and no longer intend to be intimidated or bow to injunctions.
The time has come to fight for full sovereignty, without interference from any foreign power in the management of internal political or judicial matters in African countries.
Fayçal BADIE
