The French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, has been instructed to vacate the country within 48 hours.
This decision comes amid deteriorating relations between the two nations.
The foreign ministry, under the junta’s authority, has clarified that the expulsion of the ambassador is a direct response to actions taken by the French government, which were deemed “contrary to the interests of Niger.”
Among these actions was the ambassador’s refusal to recognize or engage with the junta-appointed foreign minister.
However, it’s worth noting that the French government does not acknowledge this request.
In a statement released on Friday evening, the French foreign ministry asserted, “The putschists do not possess the authority to issue such a request, as the ambassador’s accreditation is solely granted by the legitimately elected Nigerien authorities.”
One of the gravest implications of this escalating situation is the uncertainty surrounding the future of joint military efforts between France and Niger, which have been aimed at combating an Islamist insurgency in the region.
The coup has pushed the longstanding relationship between the two countries to a breaking point.
France has openly called for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum to office and has expressed its willingness to support ECOWAS in its efforts to overturn the coup.
This development in Niger mirrors actions taken by neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have expelled French forces and severed long-standing ties with France.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community closely watches the evolving situation, concerned about the potential consequences for stability and security in the region.