The 48-hour deadline for the French Ambassador in Niger to leave the country has expired. The immunity of the Ambassador, who announced that he would not leave the country, was lifted. It was learned that the Niger police were instructed to deport the Ambassador.
FRANCE-NIGER RELATIONS STRENGTHEN
The military administration in Niger announced on August 25 that the immunity of French Ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, which he gave 48 hours to leave the country but did not leave the country, was lifted and he would be deported.
In a note sent from the Niger Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was reported that Itte would not be able to benefit from the privileges of his diplomat status as of August 28, as he did not leave the country despite the expiry of the time given to him, and his letter of credence was cancelled.
In the note, it was noted that Niger police were instructed to deport Ambassador Itte.
It was shared that itte’s family and their diplomatic cards and visas were also cancelled.
The Niger Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave Ambassador Itte 48 hours to leave the country on 25 August.
France, on the other hand, declared that “the junta is not an authority that can demand the departure of the French ambassador”.
Ambassador Itte did not leave the country despite the expiry of the given time, and French President Emmanuel Macron repeated on August 28 that they would not withdraw Itte despite the pressure.
France has about 1500 soldiers in Niger and a military base near Diori Hamani Airport.
The military administration, which came to power in Niger on July 26, announced that the five military cooperation agreements signed with France were cancelled.
COUP IN NIGER
President Mohammad Bazum in Niger was detained by elements of the Presidential Guard Regiment on July 26, and that evening the soldier announced that he had seized power.
General Abdurrahmane Tchiani, Commander of the Presidential Guard Regiment, became the head of the transitional government called CNSP on July 28.
The CNSP appointed Lamine Zeine as prime minister on 7 August and announced the 21-member cabinet on 10 August, consisting of soldiers and civilians. (AA)