Niger: You have no authority to expel ambassadors – France slams military junta

France has reacted to the expulsion of it ambassador, Sylvian Itte by the military leadership in Niger.

The Niger military gave Itte 48 hours to leave the country after he refused an invitation to meet with the junta’s appointed foreign minister.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the French government’s actions are “contrary to the interests of Niger.”

But France said;

Niger’s “putschists have no authority” to expel its ambassador in Niamey, as quoted by Deutsche Welle.

The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities,” Paris said, adding: We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy.

On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron demanded the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who was detained on July 26, 2023 in a military coup led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard.