Niger’s Junta Expels French Ambassador Amidst Rising Tensions
Niger’s military junta has instructed the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, further escalating international tensions. The Nigerien Foreign Ministry announced this decision after the ambassador, Sylvain Itte, declined to attend a scheduled meeting with the country’s foreign minister.
Citing the French government’s actions against Niger’s interests, the ministry revoked Itte’s credentials. However, the French Foreign Ministry stressed that the junta lacks the authority to make such demands, highlighting that the ambassador’s approval relies solely on the legitimate and elected Nigerien authorities.
In response to the situation, the US State Department revealed that Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed them of letters circulating online calling for the departure of certain American diplomatic personnel. However, the ministry clarified that these letters were not issued by them and that no official request has been made to the US government.
This diplomatic standoff between Niger’s junta and France demonstrates the deepening divisions between the two nations. The junta’s decision to expel the French ambassador highlights their dissatisfaction with perceived actions against Niger’s interests, while France maintains that the ambassador’s position is legitimate and must be acknowledged by the elected government.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains uncertain how this standoff will be resolved and what impact it may have on the bilateral relationship between Niger and France.
