The military-appointed Nigerian Foreign Ministry explained the above decision that Ambassador Sylvain Itte did not respond to their invitation to the meeting and that there were several actions of the French government that were contrary to Niger’s interests.
theo reutersStatements shared widely online also suggest that Niger ordered the US ambassador and the German ambassador to leave the country for similar reasons.
Supporters of the Niger government take part in a protest in front of a French military base in Niamey. Photo: Reuters
The expulsion of the French ambassador comes a month after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by forces led by Abdourahmane Tchiani.
France has called on the junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum and said it would support efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reverse the coup.
Earlier this week, General Tchiani proposed returning Niger to civilian rule within “no more than three years”, but warned neighboring countries and France not to interfere in Niger’s internal affairs.
Eleven members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chastised Niger and threatened military intervention to “restore democracy”.
Guinea refused to comply with the sanctions, while neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso said they would see such interference as a fight against them. On 24 August, Niger authorized two neighboring countries to protect them in case ECOWAS intervened militarily.
“The three countries have agreed to facilitate mutual assistance in defense and security matters in the event of military intervention or attack,” said a joint statement by the foreign ministries of the above countries.
ECOWAS committee chairman Omar Aliou Toure told the AP news agency that the sanctions have caused a “serious socio-economic crisis” but it is something that must be done “for the benefit of the people of Niger”. ,
ECOWAS has repeatedly announced plans for military intervention, and continues to send diplomatic missions to Niamey.
