Niger authorities order police to expel French ambassador

The move was condemned by the Elysee Palace. The French Foreign Ministry said on August 31 that the coup leader had no authority to ask the ambassador to leave.

Nigerien people protest in front of the French Embassy in Niamey. Photo: Reuters

The coup plotters said the visas of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte and his family had been revoked and police had been instructed to expel the ambassador. Niger's military also ordered Mr Itte to leave the country within 48 hours, after calling France's actions "contrary to Niger's interests".

The coup in Niger has been condemned by African governments and Western nations, with the ECOWAS bloc also threatening military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail.

European Union foreign ministers agreed on August 31 to begin drafting sanctions against individuals behind the coup.

France said it would support ECOWAS efforts to overturn the coup. President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the ambassador would remain in Niger and reiterated France's support for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Quoc Thien (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chinh-quyen-niger-ra-lenh-cho-canh-sat-truc-xuat-dai-su-phap-post262888.html