The confrontation between the coup leaders in Niger and France has escalated as the military behind the recent coup demanded the departure of French ambassador Sylvain
Itté from the country within 48 hours. Paris has rejected this demand, setting the stage for a diplomatic standoff. The ruling junta in Niamey's decision is the latest in a series of actions unfriendly towards France since the coup on July 26.
Nearly a month after the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, the military ordered Sylvain Itté to vacate Niger's territory and revoked his accreditation. The junta justified this move by citing the ambassador's refusal to participate in a Foreign Ministry interview and perceived actions by the French government contrary to Niger's interests.
The French authorities swiftly rejected the demand, emphasizing that the putschists lack the authority to make such a request, as the ambassador's accreditation is derived solely from the legitimately elected Nigerien authorities. Hassoumi Massoudou, Bazoum's diplomatic head, echoed this stance, underscoring that the ambassador is accredited to the elected president.
The ongoing diplomatic dispute highlights tensions between the de facto Nigerien government and France. France continues to call for the withdrawal of the coup plotters, asserting that President Bazoum, detained with his family, has not resigned following the takeover. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger and the release of Bazoum. Macron characterized the coup as detrimental to democracy in Niger and a setback to the fight against terrorism.
The junta suspects France of potentially intervening militarily to reinstate the elected president and views the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as being influenced by France, the former colonial power in the region. ECOWAS has imposed significant economic and financial sanctions on Niger and is considering the use of armed force, with France's backing, to restore constitutional order. Photo by Vincent van Zeijst, Wikimedia commons.