Title: Niger’s Junta Orders Expulsion of French Ambassador in Deteriorating Relations
Date: August 31, 2023
Niamey, Niger – In a move that further worsens relations between the two nations, Niger’s ruling junta has ordered the expulsion of France’s ambassador. However, authorities in Paris have stated that the army officers who seized power in Niamey last month do not have the authority to make such a decision.
Following the strategy employed by juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger’s coup leaders are distancing themselves from their former colonial power amid rising anti-French sentiment in the region.
The junta’s statement, issued on August 29 and confirmed as authentic, declared the cancellation of the visas of French ambassador Sylvain Itte and his family, instructing the police to expel the envoy from the country. The coup’s instigators accused France of actions “contrary to the interests of Niger,” including the ambassador’s refusal to meet Niger’s new foreign minister.
This coup has garnered widespread condemnation from regional African authorities and Western nations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger, impeding the delivery of vital food and aid to one of the world’s poorest nations. Additionally, ECOWAS has warned of potential military intervention if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy fail.
In response to the situation, European Union foreign ministers have agreed to initiate the drafting of sanctions against the individuals responsible for the coup.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS, expressed his concerns over the spate of military takeovers in the region, citing the recent coup in Gabon. While emphasizing that military intervention should be a last resort in Niger, President Tinubu highlighted the need to take decisive action to prevent further instability.
France has called for the reinstatement of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, and pledged support for ECOWAS’ efforts to overturn the coup. The country had previously relied on Niger as a crucial partner in counter-insurgency operations against Islamist groups in the Sahel region, deploying approximately 1,500 soldiers to support the local military.
However, France has adjusted its strategy following the withdrawal of troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso following their respective coups.
While the junta has revoked bilateral military agreements with France, Paris has not officially recognized this decision, stating that the agreements were signed with Niger’s “legitimate authorities.” The French foreign ministry also emphasized that the coup leader does not have the authority to demand the departure of the ambassador, adding that the security and operating conditions of the French embassy are continually assessed.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his support for Bazoum and confirmed that the ambassador would remain in Niger.
As tensions escalate between Niger and France, the international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution that restores democratic governance and stability in Niger.
Reporting by Boureima Balima and Moussa Aksar in Niamey, Elizabeth Pineau in Paris, and Felix Onuah in Abuja; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian and Sofia Christensen; Editing by Alexander Winning and John Stonestreet