Niger's military regime gives French ambassador 48 hours to leave the country

(Patria) - The military regime, which took power in Niamey on July 26, has given the French ambassador to Niger 48 hours to leave the country, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Due to the "refusal of the French ambassador in Niamey to respond to the ministry's invitation" for a "meeting" on Friday" and due to "other actions by the French government contrary to Nigerien interests", the authorities have decided to withdraw the accreditation (agrément) issued to Sylvain Itte and invite him to leave Nigerien territory within 48 hours, the statement said.

This decision comes after a series of statements and protests against France following July 26, when the Nigerien army overthrew the elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who is still under house arrest with part of his family.

The military regime particularly accuses Paris of wanting to intervene militarily in Niger to restore Bazoum to power and claims that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a "mercenary" of France, the former colonial power in this part of Africa.

ECOWAS has imposed heavy economic and financial sanctions on Niger following the military coup and has threatened the regime with the use of force to restore constitutional order, Hina reports.

France has 1,500 personnel in Niger assisting President Bazoum's government in fighting jihadist groups that have been ravaging Niger and much of the Sahel for years.