France has temporarily halted the issuance of new visas for students from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso who were planning to continue their studies in the country.
This decision is a result of the closure of French consular services in these nations.
The suspension of visas follows mass protests in Niger’s capital, Niamey, where demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and troops from the West African country.
France had previously suspended cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso on July 29 and August 6, respectively, in response to the coup in Niger. In November 2022, a similar decision was made for Mali.
Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed solidarity with the military authorities in Niger.
The French embassy in Niger has been closed since the military takeover on July 26, and the French consulate is unable to issue visas. The French Ministry of Research and Higher Education has stated that the suspension of visa services and civil cooperation was forced by security concerns. However, existing collaborations with universities and scientific institutions will continue.
The visa suspension has created challenges for many students, including those who have been accepted to French universities and have paid their registration fees, as well as those still waiting for responses from universities.
France currently hosts around 3,000 Malian, 2,500 Burkinabé, and 1,200 Nigerien students in its higher education institutions.
The Council of Nigeriens in France has called on authorities in Niger and France to find a solution for the affected students. The Union des Scolaires Nigériens has urged students to be patient and realistic, given the diplomatic tensions between Niger and France.
It remains uncertain when France will resume the issuance of visas to students from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.