Title: Niger’s Ruling Junta Orders Expulsion of French Ambassador Amid Strained Relations
In a move that further strains the already fragile relationship between Niger and France, the ruling junta in Niger has ordered the police to expel France’s ambassador, Sylvain Itte. The decision comes as the junta follows the footsteps of juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso by distancing themselves from France amidst growing anti-French sentiments.
The cancellation of visas for Ambassador Itte and his family marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. The junta argues that France’s actions have been against Niger’s interests, citing the envoy’s refusal to meet with Niger’s new foreign minister.
The coup in Niger has drawn condemnation from regional African authorities and Western nations alike. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions affecting food and aid delivery to the already impoverished country, and has even threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail to restore democracy.
In response, the European Union has agreed to draft sanctions against individuals involved in the coup. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, expressed concerns about the rising number of military takeovers in neighboring countries and stressed the need for a last resort military intervention in Niger.
France, meanwhile, continues to call for the return of Niger’s ousted president and voice support for ECOWAS’ efforts to overturn the coup. With a significant military presence in Niger, France has been actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants in the Sahel region.
President Emmanuel Macron has thus far refused to recognize the junta’s revocation of military agreements, asserting that the coup leader lacks the authority to ask the ambassador to leave. Macron confirmed that Ambassador Itte will remain in Niger and reiterated France’s support for the ousted president.
The expulsion of Ambassador Itte signals a troubling turn in the already tumultuous relationship between Niger and France. As tensions escalate, the international community closely watches whether diplomatic efforts or even a military intervention will be necessary to restore stability and democracy in Niger.
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