Niger military rulers expel French ambassador

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【Summary】Niger's military rulers have ordered the French ambassador to leave the country, escalating the crisis following the coup that ousted the democratically elected president. The military government also allowed troops from Mali and Burkina Faso to come to their defense, increasing tensions with other West African nations. France rejected the order and criticized the coup-makers.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 5:32 PM PT

Niger military rulers expel French ambassador

The military government of Niger has authorized troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to its defense, escalating the standoff with other West African nations. This comes after a coup that removed the democratically elected president and heightened the international crisis in the country.

In response to the coup, Niger's military leadership has asked the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours. The letter accusing the ambassador of ignoring a meeting invitation also cited actions of the French government contrary to Niger's interests as reasons for the expulsion.

France's foreign ministry has stated that the military government has no authority to ask their ambassador to leave, emphasizing that the ambassador's approval comes solely from the legitimate elected authorities of Niger.

Niger, a former French colony, was France's partner in the fight against armed groups before the coup. However, recent coups in the region have led to a wave of anti-French sentiment, with some locals accusing the European country of interfering in their affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Niger's coup-makers and demanded the release of the deposed president. Meanwhile, Niger's military leader, General Abdrahmane Tchiani, has signed executive orders authorizing the intervention of security forces from Burkina Faso and Mali in the event of aggression.

The agreement with Mali and Burkina Faso is the latest action taken by Niger's mutinous soldiers to defy sanctions and solidify their military leadership. This further escalates the crisis in the country, which has a population of over 25 million people.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to use force to reinstate the democratically elected president and has rejected the military government's three-year transition plan. Eleven out of the bloc's 15 countries have expressed commitments to deploy troops once a decision is made to intervene.

ECOWAS leaders emphasize that they cannot accept another coup in the region and urge the military to reconsider their actions. They are determined to halt the cycle of coups in West Africa.