Niger’s ruling junta has ordered the expulsion of France’s ambassador, escalating tensions between the two countries. The move comes as the junta, which seized power in Niamey last month, follows the strategy of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in distancing itself from its former colonial power amid growing anti-French sentiment.
The visas of French ambassador Sylvain Itte and his family have been canceled, and police have been instructed to expel the envoy, according to a statement from the junta. The coup leaders accused France of actions “contrary to the interests of Niger,” including the ambassador’s refusal to meet with Niger’s new foreign minister.
The coup has been widely condemned by regional African authorities and Western nations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger, which have hindered the delivery of food and aid to the country. ECOWAS has also threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy fail.
In response to the coup, European Union foreign ministers have agreed to draft sanctions against individuals involved in the putsch. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, expressed concern about the potential for copycat military takeovers in other countries and emphasized that military intervention should be a last resort.
France has called for the return of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, and pledged support for ECOWAS efforts to overturn the coup. France has been heavily involved in counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants in the Sahel region, with around 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger.
The French government has not officially recognized the junta’s decision to revoke bilateral military agreements, stating that these agreements were signed with Niger’s “legitimate authorities.” The French foreign ministry also questioned the junta’s authority to expel the ambassador, stating that it is constantly assessing the security and operating conditions of its embassy.
President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed that the French ambassador will remain in Niger and reiterated France’s support for Bazoum. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the crisis and restore democracy in Niger.
Sources:
– Reuters: Niger junta orders police to expel France’s ambassador
– Reuters: Niger junta orders police to expel France’s ambassador
How have regional African authorities and Western nations responded to the coup in Niger and its implications for diplomatic relations
Tensions between Niger and France have escalated as Niger’s ruling junta has ordered the expulsion of France’s ambassador, Sylvain Itte, and his family. The junta, which seized power in Niamey last month, is following the lead of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in distancing itself from its former colonial power due to growing anti-French sentiment.
The junta accused France of actions that were “contrary to the interests of Niger,” including Itte’s refusal to meet with Niger’s new foreign minister. In response, the coup has been widely condemned by regional African authorities and Western nations.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger as a result of the coup, hindering the delivery of food and aid to the country. ECOWAS has also threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy fail.
The European Union has agreed to draft sanctions against individuals involved in the coup, and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu expressed concern about the potential for similar military takeovers in other countries. Tinubu emphasized that military intervention should only be a last resort.
France has called for the return of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, and pledged support for ECOWAS efforts to reverse the coup. France has significant military presence in the Sahel region, with approximately 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger for counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants.
The French government has not officially recognized the junta’s decision to revoke bilateral military agreements, asserting that these agreements were signed with Niger’s “legitimate authorities.” The French foreign ministry also questioned the junta’s authority to expel the ambassador, stating that it constantly assesses the security and operating conditions of its embassy.
French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that the French ambassador will remain in Niger and reiterated France’s support for Bazoum. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis and restore democracy in Niger, while the situation remains tense.
