Niger’s military leaders order French Ambassador to leave its territory within 48 hours.

General Ahdourahamane Tiani, the new leader of Niger, has ordered the French ambassador to the country, Sylvain Itte, to leave within 48 hours. On Friday, August 25, 2023, the government issued a written statement accusing Itte of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

The release stated that the Junta no longer needs his services as he has been working for the old government under the leadership of Mahamadou Issoufou and has long been exercising French influence in Niger.

Abdourahamane Tinani and his government ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023, in a coup — which has strained the relationship between Niger and the country’s former colonial master, France. The French government has strongly condemned the coup — pledging support to the ECOWAS standby force, which is mapping out a plan to intervene and reinstate President Bazoum.

It is not clear what will happen if the 48-hour deadline is not respected.

France says it would not budge

The French government’s actions, according to the Foreign Ministry, are “contrary to the interests of Niger.”

However, France stated that the “putschists in Niger have no authority” to withdraw France’s ambassador from Niamey.

Paris stated, “We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy,” adding, “The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimately elected Nigerien authorities.”

There have been multiple calls for sanctions against the coup leaders.