Niger's Junta Set To Force French Ambassador Out The Country
Afnews Editor
Aug 31, 2023
Niger's Junta Set To Force French Ambassador Out The Country
READ ALSO: How Govs, Others Blew Millions On 50 Jets To Buhari's Son's Wedding
The ministry said that it was "constantly assessing the security and operating conditions of our embassy."
READ ALSO: WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
Niger's ruling junta has ordered police to expel France's ambassador, a move marking a further downturn in relations.
READ ALSO: Mu-rder Of Deborah: Tambuwal Lifts Curfew In Sokoto, Calls For Peace | READ DETAILS
https://youtu.be/EeLk7C6ecIk
READ ALSO: President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
The coup leaders are following the strategy of juntas in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, in distancing themselves from the region's former colonial power amid a wave of anti-French sentiment.
READ ALSO: Trump Speaks Out: Why U.S. May Join the Israel-Iran War | READ DETAILS
The visas of French ambassador to Niamey Sylvain Itte and his family have been cancelled and police are instructed to expel the envoy, the junta said in a statement.
READ ALSO: Why Madagascar Soldiers Refused Orders to Shoot Protesters | WATCH VIDEO
Instigators of the coup, condemned by regional African authorities and by Western nations last Friday, ordered Mr Itte to leave the country within 48 hours in response to what they called actions by France "contrary to the interests of Niger".
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Wike offers Rivers United N20m to beat Enyimba
[caption id="attachment_169387" align="alignnone" width="640"] French ambassador in Niger Republic to Niamey Sylvain Itte[/caption]
READ ALSO: How I Survived When Everyone Else Died" - Lone Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks
It said these included the envoy's refusal to respond to an invitation to meet Niger's new foreign minister.
READ ALSO: Dr. Chima Anyaso Hosts Namibian Governor, Strengthens Africa's Economic Partnerships
France has called for the return of ousted president Mohamed Bazoum to office, and said it would support efforts by West African regional bloc ECOWAS to overturn the coup.
France has made Niger the cornerstone of counter-insurgency operations against an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region that has killed thousands over the past ten years, with around 1,500 soldiers in the country who support the local military.
READ ALSO: "I waited for 45mins to see my girlfriend die" - Man
It redefined its strategy after thousands withdrew from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso following the coups there.
READ ALSO: Pastor & His Son Arrested Over Alleged $8m COVID Scam | READ DETAILS
Paris has not officially recognised a decision by the junta to revoke bilateral military agreements, saying these had been signed with Niger's "legitimate authorities."
READ ALSO: How Govs, Others Blew Millions On 50 Jets To Buhari's Son's Wedding
https://youtu.be/r7uDNxDXip4
READ ALSO: WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
Similarly, the French foreign ministry said on Thursday the coup leader did not have the authority to ask the ambassador to leave.
READ ALSO: Mu-rder Of Deborah: Tambuwal Lifts Curfew In Sokoto, Calls For Peace | READ DETAILS
The ministry said that it was "constantly assessing the security and operating conditions of our embassy."
READ ALSO: President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday the ambassador would stay in the country and reiterated France's support for Bazoum.
READ ALSO: Trump Speaks Out: Why U.S. May Join the Israel-Iran War | READ DETAILS
(Reuters/NAN)
Related Stories
WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
Dr. Chima Anyaso Hosts Namibian Governor, Strengthens Africa's Economic Partnerships
Why Madagascar Soldiers Refused Orders to Shoot Protesters | WATCH VIDEO
Trump Speaks Out: Why U.S. May Join the Israel-Iran War | READ DETAILS
How I Survived When Everyone Else Died" - Lone Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks
President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
""
— Afnews Editor