Niger’s military rulers invalidate over 990 diplomatic passports linked to ousted regime

The newly-installed military rulers in Niger Republic have invalidated more than 990 diplomatic passports held by both nationals and foreigners with ties to the deposed government.

According to copies of letters circulated on social media networks, Niger’s foreign ministry has informed diplomatic missions in the country that these passports are now considered “lapsed”.

Among the holders of these diplomatic documents were former high-ranking officials from various government institutions and ministries, as well as former Members of Parliament and advisers, including the ousted president and prime minister, as reported by the official press agency ANP.

Around 50 of these diplomatic passports were issued to individuals from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Libya, Turkey, and other West African nations.

President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted on July 26 and has been under house arrest since. In late August, the new regime had already revoked passports held by several government members who were abroad, including the prime minister, foreign minister, and Niger’s ambassador to France.