France’s ambassador to Niger will remain in the country, despite intense pressure from the leaders of a recent coup, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron during a speech to diplomats on Monday.
Macron reiterated his support for Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, praising his decision not to resign as courageous. Macron affirmed the validity of their policy, which is based on President Bazoum’s bravery and the commitment of the French ambassador on the ground who persists despite pressure and declarations from the illegitimate authorities.
The latest development comes after Niger’s military junta, which seized power in a coup on July 26, demanded that French ambassador Sylvain Itte depart the country within 48 hours. The situation highlights the escalating tension between Niger and its former colonial ruler, France, much like the recent coups in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. These events have been fueled by growing anti-French sentiment among locals who accuse the European nation of meddling in their internal affairs.
The junta’s decision to expel the French ambassador was attributed to actions taken by the French government that were perceived as detrimental to Niger’s interests. Among these actions was the ambassador’s refusal to meet Niger’s new foreign minister, a point that has stirred controversy.
While the U.S. and German ambassadors were seemingly also ordered to leave based on circulated statements, the U.S. State Department clarified that Niger’s foreign ministry had not officially issued such requests.
This recent coup has strained Niger’s longstanding relationship with France, casting doubt on the future of their joint military efforts against Islamist insurgency in the conflict-ridden Sahel region. France is actively advocating for the reinstatement of President Bazoum and supporting the ECOWAS regional bloc’s efforts to overturn the coup. France has not recognized the junta’s decision to annul military agreements made with France earlier in August.
The deteriorating relations between Niger and France mirror post-coup developments in Mali and Burkina Faso, where French forces were expelled, and longstanding ties were severed.
As this standoff continues between France and Niger, the effectiveness of the Niger junta’s control over the country remains to be seen.
