Macron revives colonial pressure: French Ambassador stays put in Niger
3 Min Read
French President Emmanuel Macron dismisses calls originating from certain circles in the United States and Europe that advocated for Western powers to abandon Bazoum.
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French President Emmanuel Macron at the Hotel National des Invalides, in Paris on October 18, 2022. (AFP)
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.
Macron reaffirmed France's unwavering support for the ousted president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, commending his "courageous decision to resist resignation".
"I think our policy is the right one. It's based on the courage of President Bazoum, and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite all the pressure, despite all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities," said Macron.
The French president also dismissed calls originating from certain circles in the United States and Europe that advocated for Western powers to abandon Bazoum.
"We do not recognize those who have carried out the putsch, we support a president who has not stepped down, and besides whom we remain engaged," he added.
Macron asserted that they do not recognize the coup's orchestrators and maintain their backing for Bazoum, standing steadfastly alongside him.
His remarks came 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.
Read next: Niger and the African struggle against neo-colonialism
