France has responded to the Niger junta’s attempt to expel its ambassador, Sylvain Itte, by asserting that the junta lacks the authority to take such an action.
The Niger military had given Itte 48 hours to leave the country after he declined an invitation to meet with the junta-appointed foreign minister.
The French Foreign Ministry criticized the French government’s stance, deeming it contrary to Niger’s interests.
However, France maintained its position that the “putschists,” referring to the junta, lack the legitimacy to expel its ambassador.
According to France, the ambassador’s authorization stems exclusively from the legitimately elected Nigerien authorities.
France emphasized its ongoing assessment of embassy security and operational conditions.
President Emmanuel Macron of France had previously demanded the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been detained in a military coup orchestrated by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard. Macron also called for the reestablishment of democratic governance in Niger, a nation that was once a French colony but experienced a military coup that toppled its elected leadership in July.
