The political landscape in Niger has taken an abrupt turn as the junta has issued a directive for the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave the country within 48 hours.
This decision follows a refusal by Itte to participate in a scheduled meeting with Niger’s foreign minister on Friday. However, emerging report from AFP indicates that the French Ambassador seems to be questioning the authority of the military junta to give such an order.
The Nigerien Foreign Ministry, in a statement disseminated through state-run broadcaster ORTN, highlighted the ambassador’s non-compliance and announced the withdrawal of Itte’s credentials.
The ministry also referenced other actions by the French government that it perceives as detrimental to Niger’s interests.
In response, the French Foreign Ministry, when approached by AFP for comment, acknowledged the request made by the junta but emphasized that the authority to approve or reject the departure of an ambassador rests solely with the legitimate and elected authorities of Niger.
The ministry firmly stated that the junta does not possess the mandate to issue such demands.
Amidst the escalating tensions, the situation has garnered attention beyond national borders. CNN reached out to the French Foreign Ministry for additional insights.
On another front, the US State Department revealed that it had been informed by Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about circulating images of letters calling for the departure of specific American diplomatic personnel.
However, the State Department clarified that these images were not officially issued by the ministry, and no formal request for the departure of American diplomats has been received by the US government.
As the diplomatic scene unfolds, uncertainty looms over the course of events. The rift between the junta and foreign embassies underscores the complexity of political dynamics and the significant role played by diplomatic relations in the evolving narrative of Niger’s junta-led governance.
