French ambassador to Niger being held hostage, says Macron

Macron told reporters that the ambassador, Sylvain Itte, is being prevented from leaving the French embassy and is being denied food deliveries.

The military rulers of Niger overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have demanded that the French ambassador leave the country. France has refused to comply with the demand, or to recognize the military regime as legitimate.

Macron said that the French government is in contact with Bazoum and that he will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of the ambassador and other French diplomats in Niger.

The coup in Niger is the latest in a series of military takeovers in the Sahel region of Africa. Macron has called the situation an "epidemic" of coups and has pledged to work with regional partners to prevent further instability.