Niger’s military junta demands French Ambassador’s departure within 48 hours
In a move that deepens the ongoing diplomatic crisis, Niger’s military junta, which seized power through a coup on July 26th, has declared Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador to Niger, persona non grata. The junta has given Ambassador Itte 48 hours to leave the country, as announced by the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs in a statement released on Friday.
France’s Refusal to Recognize Junta Intensifies Tensions
Tensions between France and Niger have escalated since the military junta’s takeover and the subsequent ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. France, refusing to recognize the junta’s legitimacy, has reportedly declined an invitation for its ambassador in Niamey to attend a meeting with the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs. The situation has strained bilateral relations.
Unspecified French Actions Contrary to Niger’s Interests
The Nigerien Foreign Minister asserted that some actions by the Emmanuel Macron government were against Niger’s interests, though specifics were not provided. This tension raises concerns about the future of diplomatic ties between the two nations, as both sides struggle to find common ground.
