Macron, who was the guest of the joint broadcast of TF1 and France 2 channels, stated that he spoke on the phone today with President Muhammed Bazum, who was removed from his post in Niger by military intervention. Macron said that Itte and many French diplomats would return to France in a few hours and that they had ended their military cooperation with the authorities in Niger.
FRENCH SOLDIERS WILL LEAVE NIGER
Noting that French soldiers in Niger will return to France in a coordinated manner by the end of the year, Macron stated that they will continue to help the African continent in the fight against terrorism.
AMBASSADOR CRISIS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
The military government, which took power in Niger on July 26, gave 48 hours to French Ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, to leave the country on August 25, but Ambassador Itte did not leave the country.
France stated that “the military junta is not an authority that can demand the departure of the French ambassador.”
Thereupon, the Niger Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a note sent to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 31 that Ambassador Itte’s immunity had been lifted and that he would be deported.
HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS TAKEN HOSTAGE
After the note, strict security measures were taken around the French Embassy in Niamey and vehicles entering and leaving the embassy began to be checked by Niger security forces.
Likewise, security was increased around the air base named “Niamey 101” in the capital, where French soldiers are stationed.
In his statement on September 15, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ambassador Itte was “taken hostage” and that food was not allowed to enter the Embassy.
THEY CLOSED THEIR AIRSPACE TO FRANCE
In Niger, the military government closed its airspace to France, including commercial flights.
In the statement shared on the website of the Air Navigation Safety Agency in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), it was reported that Niger airspace was closed to the Air France fleet and aircraft leased by France.
In the statement, it was noted that Niger’s airspace is open to all national and international commercial flights, except for France.
Niger airspace was closed to all commercial and civilian flights on August 6, and was reopened on September 4.
Air France, one of the most important airline companies connecting Africa to Europe, had flights to Niamey, the capital of Niger, 4 days a week.
COUP IN NIGER
In Niger, President Mohammed Bazum was detained by elements of the Presidential Guard Regiment on July 26, and that evening the military announced that they had seized power.
Commander of the Presidential Guard Regiment, General Abdurrahmane Tchiani, became the head of the transitional government called CNSP on July 28.
CNSP appointed Lamine Zeine as prime minister on August 7, and announced the 21-member cabinet consisting of soldiers and civilians on August 10. (AA)
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