Admin I Friday, August 25, 2023
PARIS – The French government has said that the Niger junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani has no authority to its Ambassador, Sylvain Itte to leave Niger.
The French government made the reply after the Tchiani gave Ambassador Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave Niger.
Tchiani had in a statement described the “ refusal of the French ambassador in Niamey to respond to an invitation” from the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a meeting Friday and “other actions of the French government contrary to the interests of Niger.
Consequently, the authorities decided to withdraw their approval of Sylvain Itte and ask him to depart within 48 hours.
The statement added, “we are witnessing a real plan of destabilisation of our country, orchestrated by French forces,” Tchiani said.
Writing about Tchiani order, the French Government told AFP that “France has taken note of the putschists’ request,” but that Tchiani has no right to ask its ambassador to leave Niger.
“The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities.”
“We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy,” the ministry added.
The military junta ousted Mohamed Bazoum July 26 and they have since held him under house arrest.