France has temporarily halted the issuance of new student visas for individuals from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso intending to continue their studies in the country due to the closure of French consular services in these nations.
This suspension follows mass demonstrations in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, where protestors called for the withdrawal of France's ambassador and troops from the West African nation.
France had previously suspended cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso on July 29 and August 6, respectively, in response to the coup in Niger. A similar decision was made for Mali in November 2022.
Notably, Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed solidarity with the soldiers who assumed power in neighbouring Niger.
The French embassy in Niger has remained closed since the military takeover on July 26, making the French consulate unable to issue visas.
The French Ministry of Research and Higher Education cited security concerns for the suspension of visa services but affirmed that existing cooperation with universities and scientific institutions would continue.
This suspension has placed numerous students in challenging situations, with some having already been accepted into French universities and paid registration fees, while others await university responses.
Currently, France hosts approximately 3,000 Malian, 2,500 Burkinabé, and 1,200 Nigerien students in its higher education institutions.
The Council of Nigeriens in France has called upon authorities in Niger and France to seek solutions for the affected students. The Union des Scolaires Nigériens has urged patience and realism, considering the diplomatic rupture between Niger and France.
The timeline for the resumption of student visa issuance for Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remains uncertain.
