EU condemns Niger's decision to expel French Ambassador
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In a clear case of meddling in Niger's internal affairs, the EU conveys that they will not acknowledge the military-led administration as the legitimate government in Niger.
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Nigerien police officers stand guard outside the Niger and French airbases in Niamey as supporters of Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) gather on August 27, 2023. (AFP)
The European External Action Service (EEAS) stated that the expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte from Niger by the country's military leaders is viewed as a "provocation." The European Union regards this action as unhelpful in achieving a diplomatic resolution for the ongoing crisis in Niger.
"The ... decision to order France's ambassador out of the country is a new provocation that will not contribute to finding a diplomatic settlement of the current crisis. The European Union expresses its full support for France's ambassador," the EEAS said in a statement.
The EU's statement also conveyed that they will not acknowledge the military-led administration as the legitimate government in Niger.
Concurrently, the President of Niger's ex-colonizer, Emmanuel Macron, announced in a speech to diplomats on Monday that France's ambassador to Niger will remain in the country despite pressure from leaders of a recent coup.
This comes shortly after the new Nigerien government issued an ultimatum for the French ambassador to depart within 48 hours.
Notably, the refusal of the French ambassador to engage in a scheduled meeting with the minister and other actions that were deemed contrary to Niger's interests led to this drastic diplomatic measure.
The strained relationship traces back to suspicions that Paris has covert designs to intervene militarily in Niger to reinstate the ousted President Bazoum.
The expulsion of the French ambassador marks a concerning escalation in the already volatile situation in Niger.
As the clock ticks down on the 48-hour ultimatum, the fate of diplomatic relations between Niger and France hangs in the balance, raising questions about the future of the existing cooperation against the backdrop of political upheaval and security challenges.
What do you need to know?
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard overthrew Bazoum. The guard's commander, Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.
The military chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The goal of the meeting reportedly is to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.
Correspondingly, military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in their country, stressing that they will "resolutely defend their homeland."
The interim governments of Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.
ECOWAS has resorted to implementing a full pressure campaign on the country, which included the closure of land and air borders between the bloc's countries and Niger, the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions with it, and the freezing of the country's assets in ECOWAS Central Banks.
The bloc also suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze the assets of the coup leaders, their families, and supporters, and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.
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