Niger recalls all ambassadors, starts reforms to West-built structure
The Nigerian president says that this move aims to ensure that the diplomatic missions will provide the country and its citizens with the best outcome.
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Nigerien citizens take down a sign from the French embassy after a rally in support of the new leadership in Niger, Niamey, on July 30, 2023 (AFP)
Niger has recalled all its ambassadors across the world with immediate effect as the West African country initiates structural reforms to catalyze its shift from being under Western dominance and French colonialism to a sovereign ruling.
"[Nigerien] President Bola Tinubu ... has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide. The President's directive is a sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the President's renewed hope agenda," his office said on Saturday in a post on X.
Meanwhile, a Nigerien court ordered on Saturday the expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte following a petition from the country's popular new leadership. Itte's diplomatic immunity was revoked last Thursday and was given 48 hours to leave Nigerien territory.
Paris, who condemned the coup led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani on July 26 and backed ECOWAS plans to launch a military attack against the country, refused so far to comply with the government's deadline.
Read more: Niger junta accuses Macron of forcing ECOWAS invasion
On Saturday, thousands of Nigerien citizens rallied near France's military base in Niger's capital Niamey - which hosts around 1,500 soldiers - in support of their government demanding that French troops leave their country.
While these were not the first public demonstrations near the base, calling on the withdrawal of the foreign forces, the gatherings were described by Reuters' reporters as the largest one so far with no signs of waning down.
"We are ready to sacrifice ourselves today because we are proud," said one demonstrator according to the news site.
"They plundered our resources and we became aware. So they're going to get out."
🇳🇪🇫🇷THOUSANDS of Nigeriens take to streets demanding French military pack their bags and get out.
— Augustine Chikadibia (@AChikadibi5200) September 2, 2023
Crowds flock outside French army bases for 2nd day in a row to make sure they know Paris ain’t welcome in coup-hit Niger, while country’s new leadership has given France until Sept pic.twitter.com/mR6QC02MGq
French President Emmanuel Macron rejected decisions made by the new authority, saying that any decision the Elysee will take will "be based upon exchanges with [ousted President Mohammed] Bazoum."
Niger denounced his statements, saying that comments by Macron only served France's neo-colonial ambitions.
Tinubu exempted the country's missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneve from the recall decision, given an upcoming UN General Assembly session scheduled from September 19-26.
"The President is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality will henceforth characterize foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents, and prospective visitors alike," his office added on X.
Nigeria maintains a global presence with 109 diplomatic missions, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 2, 2023
PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS THE TOTAL RECALL OF ALL CAREER AND NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS
President Bola Tinubu (@officialABAT) has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide.
The President's directive is… pic.twitter.com/LJQQmbzYaa
