Niger’s military rulers, who seized governmental control in July, instructed the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, as stated by Niamey’s foreign ministry on Friday.
Relations between the new regime in Niamey and multiple Western nations, along with the West African bloc ECOWAS, have deteriorated following the coup on July 26.
France’s government swiftly dismissed the demand against its ambassador, reiterating its non-recognition of the military rulers’ authority.
The French foreign ministry informed AFP on Friday evening, “The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities.”
The ultimatum targeting the French envoy emerged just days after ECOWAS issued a threat of military intervention to reverse last month’s coup, which toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
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Paris has consistently supported ECOWAS’ appeals for the reinstatement of Bazoum.
France maintains a contingent of 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger, aiding Bazoum’s efforts against the jihadist forces that have been active in the nation for years.
Earlier on Friday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged Niger’s coup leaders to reconsider their stance and emphasized the imperative of returning to civilian rule, with the option of employing force still under consideration.
While the generals who ousted Bazoum have proposed a three-year transitional period, ECOWAS insists on an immediate restoration of constitutional order.