The military junta in Niger have ordered the ambassador of France to leave Niger Republic within 48 hours, according to a statement from Niger’s foreign ministry, saying that the ambassadors “refused to respond to an invitation” for a Friday meeting.
In the letter to the French Government, the junta stated; “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger presents its compliments to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and has the honour to inform it that in response to note No. 023/02874 of 08 August 2023 addressed to the former Ambassador of Niger by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, to the refusal of the French Ambassador in Niamey to respond to the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, for an interview on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., and other actions of the French Government, Contrary to Niger’s interests, the Nigerian competent authorities have decided to withdraw their authorisation from Mr. Sylvain ITTE and to ask him to leave Nigerien territory within forty-eight hours (48 hours).”
Same message was communicated to the government of France and their representatives in Niger
The expulsion follows a rise in anti-France sentiment in the country, as the military junta accused France of wanting to use military force to reinstate Bazoum and claim that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is under French influence.
ECOWAS has imposed severe economic sanctions on Niger and warned of potential military action to restore constitutional order.
France currently has about 1,500 troops in Niger to help combat jihadist groups affecting the country and the broader Sahel region. It is uncertain how the junta intends to approach the issue of the evacuation of these troops.
France has reacted to the directives of the military junta, saying they do not have the authority to expel its ambassador in Niamey. In its reaction, the French government said that “France has taken note of the putschists’ request. The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities. We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy.”
The military rulers accuse France of wanting to use military force to reinstate the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum and claim that ECOWAS is under French influence.
France currently has about 1,500 troops in Niger to help combat jihadist groups affecting the country and the broader Sahel region.
As the country anticipates the next line of action by the ECOWAS on its decision to intervene militarily, it seems to be taking measures against countries that support the regional body’s decision.
