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France Summons US Ambassador Over Niger Comments

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 1:52 GMT by Seattle Times
      Locales: FRANCE, UNITED STATES

PARIS, France - February 26th, 2026 - A diplomatic rift is widening between France and the United States following a formal summons issued to U.S. Ambassador Lawrence Haas by the French Foreign Ministry. The move, announced today by Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, stems from comments made by Ambassador Haas regarding France's role in the escalating instability within Niger and its relationship with the nation's current military government.

Sejourne publicly denounced Haas's remarks as "unacceptable," stating the Ambassador "must respond to the summons." While the exact nature of the comments hasn't been fully disclosed, French officials indicate they implied a degree of responsibility on France's part for the ongoing challenges facing Niger - a claim vehemently rejected by Paris.

This isn't merely a dispute over semantics; it highlights a growing undercurrent of friction between the two longstanding allies as France attempts to navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in its former African colonies. For decades, France maintained significant economic and military influence throughout the Sahel region, including Niger, offering security assistance and retaining a considerable troop presence. However, a recent wave of coups d'etat across the Sahel - in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso - has dramatically altered the power dynamics.

These coups, often fueled by anti-French sentiment and perceptions of neo-colonialism, have left France struggling to maintain its traditional sphere of influence. The military governments that have seized power in these nations have increasingly sought alternative security partners, creating a vacuum that the United States, among others, has begun to fill.

Sources within the French Foreign Ministry suggest the core of the disagreement revolves around perceived American encroachment on what France considers its historical domain. While the U.S. frames its increased engagement as a necessary step to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region, Paris views it as undermining French efforts and potentially exacerbating instability. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding U.S. military aid and training programs offered directly to the new Nigerien government, bypassing traditional French channels. This circumvention of established partnerships is seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken French leverage.

The situation in Niger is particularly sensitive. Following the July 2023 coup, France refused to evacuate its troops, leading to escalating tensions with the new military junta. Large-scale protests demanding the departure of French forces erupted in Niamey, and French interests were targeted by demonstrators. While France ultimately withdrew its troops in December 2023, the experience has left deep scars and reinforced perceptions of a hostile environment. The US, meanwhile, has maintained a smaller, more focused presence, primarily centered around counterterrorism efforts and intelligence gathering.

The U.S. Embassy in Paris has yet to issue a formal response to the summons. Analysts predict the situation could further strain relations if Ambassador Haas's explanation isn't deemed satisfactory by French authorities. Some speculate this could lead to a downgrade in diplomatic ties, potentially impacting collaboration on critical issues like counterterrorism and regional security.

Beyond Niger, the broader implications of this dispute are significant. The Sahel region is a hotbed of instability, plagued by Islamist extremism, poverty, and climate change. A fractured alliance between France and the U.S. could hinder effective cooperation in addressing these complex challenges. Moreover, it risks emboldening other regional actors - including Russia and China - who are actively seeking to expand their influence in Africa. The Wagner Group's activities in Mali, for example, are a clear demonstration of Russia's willingness to exploit instability and offer security assistance in exchange for access to resources and political influence.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this diplomatic spat can be contained or if it will escalate into a more serious crisis. Observers are watching closely to see if Washington will offer a public show of support for its Ambassador or if it will seek to mediate the dispute and reassure Paris of its commitment to a cooperative approach in Africa.