Niger junta orders French, German and Nigerian ambassadors to leave the country
- The junta-appointed foreign ministry said the decision was a response to actions taken by the countries that were ‘contrary to the interests of Niger’
- France has called for President Mohamed Bazoum to be returned to office following his removal
Niger’s military rulers on Friday gave the French, German and Nigerian ambassadors 48 hours to quit the country, amid escalating tension over the threat of military action from the West African bloc Ecowas to reverse the coup.
The ultimatum against the French envoy was quickly rejected by Paris, which repeated that it did not recognise the military rulers’ authority.
The move by the officers now running the country was the latest escalation in deteriorating relations between the new regime in Niamey and several Western powers, as well as the Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States). Nigeria currently holds the presidency of Ecowas.
Paris has repeatedly backed calls by Ecowas for the reinstatement of president Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown on July 26.
In separate letters to their respective governments, Niger’s foreign ministry said the French, German and Nigerian envoys should leave the country within 48 hours.
Each letter said it was in response to the refusal of the envoys to respond to an invitation from the ministry for a meeting on Friday and other actions of their respective governments “contrary to the interests of Niger”.