The military junta in power in Niger ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador on Thursday in a letter addressed to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Despite the position of the Quai d’Orsay, which a few days ago rejected the putschists’ request to see the French ambassador to Niger leave, the military junta in power ordered his expulsion from the country on Thursday August 31 in a letter addressed at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In this letter dated August 29, the junta, which took power in a putsch on July 26, indicates having informed the Quai d’Orsay that the question of the approval of the French Ambassador was “irrevocable” and that “the police services are instructed to carry out (the) expulsion” of the French ambassador.
“Consequently, at the end of the 48-hour period expired from August 28, 2023, the person concerned no longer enjoys the privileges and immunities attached to his status as a member of the diplomatic staff of the Embassy,” the junta also writes.
“The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the approval of the ambassador coming only from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities,” the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters. “We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy.”
On Monday, during the conference of ambassadors in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the French ambassador to Niger would remain in the country “despite pressure”.
Last Friday, the Nigerien junta gave Ambassador Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave the country.
With Reuters
Source: France 24
