AFPEA protest by supporters of the coup plotters at the French embassy in Niger
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 01:08
The junta in Niger has ordered the French ambassador to leave the country. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the West African country. According to the AFP news agency, the diplomatic representatives of the United States, among others, have also been told that they must leave the country within 48 hours, but those in power in Niger deny making such a request.
Last month, a coup was carried out in Niger. The coup plotters, led by General Tiani, have turned against the old colonizer France and ended military cooperation with Paris. France still has more than a thousand soldiers in the African country, who help fight jihadist groups.
The French foreign ministry said in response to the decision to expel the ambassador that it “has taken note of the request”, but that only “the legitimately elected Nigerien authorities” can make such a request.
The AFP news agency reported that the ambassadors of Germany, the US, Ghana and Nigeria would also have to leave. A spokesman for Niger’s foreign ministry denied that “any such request had been made to the US government”. According to the ministry, photos of letters calling for the departure of US diplomatic personnel are circulating, but those letters are not from the government. A junta source told Reuters news agency that “only the French ambassador has been asked to leave”.
troops from neighboring countries
The United Nations and Western countries have spoken out against the coup in Niger. They want the former president Bazoum reinstated. France supports the association of West African countries ECOWAS, which threatens to intervene if democracy is not restored. The junta accuses ECOWAS of letting itself be used for France’s colonial cart.
Last week, representatives of ECOWAS said that a date for a military intervention has been agreed, without announcing that date. Meanwhile, the rulers in Niger say they will not succumb to outside pressure. On Friday, the junta authorized troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to the aid of the Niger regime if it comes to conflict. In those countries too, a new regime has come to power through coups in recent years, and there are protests against the influence of France.
Why the world is watching Niger
2023-08-25 23:08:05
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