After the seizure of power by military rulers in Niamey on July 26, there has been a development involving the French ambassador. The country’s foreign affairs minister revealed on Friday that the military rulers have demanded the departure of the French ambassador from Niger within a span of 48 hours, according to a report from AFP.
In response to the French ambassador’s non-compliance with an invitation for a meeting from the minister, along with other actions taken by the French government that are perceived as against Niger’s interests, the authorities have chosen to revoke their approval of Sylvain Itte and have formally requested his departure within the given 48-hour timeframe.
This decision comes in the wake of a series of declarations and protests demonstrating hostility towards France following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by the Nigerien army. President Bazoum and his family are currently detained.
The military leadership alleges that Paris has intentions of military intervention in Niger to reinstate Bazoum, and they further assert that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is unduly influenced by France, a former colonial power in the region.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS has imposed significant economic sanctions on Niger and has even raised the possibility of employing armed force to restore the country’s constitutional order.
With approximately 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, France has been actively engaged in supporting the efforts against jihadist groups that have afflicted both Niger and the broader Sahel region for a considerable period of time.
