After the ambassadors of the United States, Germany, France and Nigeria refused to go to a meeting with the new head of the Foreign Ministry, the putschists are trying to expel diplomats from Niger.
Nigerian putschists are demanding that the ambassadors of the United States, France, Germany and Nigeria leave the country within 48 hours after the diplomats refused to accept an invitation to meet with the rebel-appointed foreign minister. It is reported by Al Jazeera with reference to AFP.
The new American ambassador, Kathleen Fitzgibbon, arrived in Niamey in early August. Earlier, a similar demand was put forward by the head of the French diplomatic mission, Sylvain Itte.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the decision to expel the ambassador was taken in response to the actions of the French authorities, which are “contrary to the interests of Niger.” This is especially due to the ambassador’s refusal to meet with the rebel-appointed foreign minister.
Paris reacted by saying that “the putschists have no authority” to expel the ambassador, since his appointment was approved by the legally elected authorities.
France, like other Western countries, is pushing for the return of ousted President Mohamed Bazum to power and is supporting the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis.
German ambassador Olivier Schnackenberg and a Nigerian diplomat were also required to leave the country after they refused to accept an invitation.
Earlier it was reported that six West African countries are preparing to intervene in Niger.
Recall that in late July, a group of military from the presidential guard of Niger rebelled and announced the removal of President Mohammed Bazum. Army General Abdurahman Tchiani was declared the new leader of the country.
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