Niger’s military leadership has ordered the expulsion of French ambassador Sylvain Itte from the country, escalating tensions between the West African nation and its international partners.
The French ambassador has been directed to leave Niger within 48 hours, as confirmed by Niger’s foreign ministry in a statement released on Friday. The decision to expel the ambassador reportedly stems from his refusal to comply with an invitation.
The ministry’s statement also alludes to “other actions by the French government contrary to the interests of Niger” as contributing factors to the expulsion, although specific details were not provided.
Tensions have risen amidst allegations from the junta that French forces were involved in freeing captured “terrorists” and violating airspace restrictions, actions perceived as attempts to destabilise Niger.
The military leadership has also accused the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of aligning with an undisclosed foreign entity.
This development follows the junta’s authorization for troops from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to intervene in defence of Niger, further intensifying a stand-off with other West African nations that are contemplating the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, leader of the junta, has issued executive orders authorising the security forces of Burkina Faso and Mali to intervene on Niger’s territory in case of aggression. This announcement came after discussions with a delegation from the two countries in Niger’s capital, Niamey, as conveyed by senior junta official Oumarou Ibrahim Sidi.
Although details of the extent of military support were not provided, both Burkina Faso and Mali have indicated that any use of force by ECOWAS against Niger’s junta would be treated as an act of war against their own nations.
Niger, a former French colony, previously stood as France’s key partner in combating jihadi violence in the Sahel region, situated below the Sahara Desert.
The current situation has heightened anti-French sentiments in the region, casting a shadow over the relationship between Niger and its international partners.
