Niger army puts its forces on high alert amid aggression threats
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The decision comes against the backdrop of increasingly concrete threats of aggression against Niger.
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A Nigerien soldier stands guard (AFP)
The Chief of Staff in Niger, Moussa Salaou Barmou, appointed by the military junta, ordered the country's armed forces to be put on high alert.
"Upon receipt of this message, all forces must be put on high alert," the Chief of the General Staff said in a message broadcast on public radio, on Friday evening.
Barmou explained that the decision was taken against the backdrop of increasingly concrete threats of aggression against Niger "to avoid public surprise, as well as to ensure an appropriate response."
On the other hand, the head of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Alieu Touray, expressed the Western-sponsored bloc's rejection of the three-year transition period proposed by the military council in Niger and attempts to form a new government in the country.
In a press conference, Touray claimed that ECOWAS does not have a plan to invade Niger, but rather intends to pursue all means to "restore constitutional order" there. However, he reaffirmed that the option of resorting to the use of force in Niger is still on the table.
This comes after the new Nigerien government issued an ultimatum for the French ambassador to depart within 48 hours, as per AFP.
Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that the decision to expel French Ambassador Sylvain Itte was prompted by a series of perceived provocations by the French government.
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 diplomatic measure.
In response, the French government quickly rejected the order against its ambassador, repeating that it did not recognize the military rulers' authority.
"The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador's approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities," the French Foreign Ministry told AFP on Friday.
The ultimatum against the French envoy comes days after ECOWAS threatened military action to reverse last month's coup, which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. Paris has repeatedly backed calls by ECOWAS for the reinstatement of Bazoum.
Niger's military leaders have warned against any intervention, accusing ECOWAS of preparing an occupying force in league with an unnamed foreign country.
The officers on Thursday said they would let troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso intervene in Niger in case of an aggression.
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