The junta in Niger gives police orders to remove the French ambassador.
The military junta that took control of Niger last month announced on Thursday that it had revoked the diplomatic immunity of the French ambassador and ordered the police to expel him.
The visas of Sylvain Itte and his family have also been revoked.
He had been given 48 hours to leave the country last Friday after the junta informed him that the French government's actions were "contrary to the interests of Niger."
But Monday came and went without Paris phoning him back.
Despite pressure from the military dictatorship, the ambassador would remain in Niger, according to French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. He also repeated Paris' support for President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been lawfully elected but has now been removed.
The French government said that it did not acknowledge the coup leaders as the legitimate leaders of the nation.
Since overthrowing the president, the junta has used public hostility toward France to strengthen its position.
The situation in Niger involving the expulsion of the French ambassador and the broader context of political change in the country can be elaborated as follows:
Junta's Seizure of Power: Last month, a military junta in Niger seized power, overthrowing the democratically-elected government. Such actions are commonly referred to as coups d'état and are often met with condemnation from the international community.
Revoking Diplomatic Immunity: The junta, in a move seen as a retaliatory measure, revoked the diplomatic immunity of the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte. This action essentially removes the protections usually afforded to foreign diplomats, making them subject to local laws and potential expulsion.
Cancellation of Visa: The French ambassador's visa, as well as that of his family, was cancelled. This step further underscores the junta's determination to remove him from the country.
French Response: France, the former colonial power in Niger, did not comply with the junta's demand to recall the ambassador within 48 hours. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the ambassador would remain in Niger, expressing support for the ousted democratically-elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
International Recognition: The French government's stance aligns with the broader international norm, where coups are not typically recognized as legitimate changes of government. Democratically elected leaders are generally regarded as the legitimate representatives of their countries.
Anti-French Sentiment: The junta in Niger appears to be leveraging anti-French sentiment among the population to bolster its own support. This tactic is not uncommon in situations where a military junta seeks to maintain control and justify its actions to the public.
International Diplomacy: The situation in Niger highlights the complex nature of international diplomacy, where governments must balance their support for democratic principles with their strategic interests and relationships with other nations. In this case, France's historical ties to Niger and its commitment to democracy are at odds with the junta's actions.
Overall, the expulsion of the French ambassador and the diplomatic tensions between the junta in Niger and France reflect a broader struggle for control and legitimacy in the country following the coup. It also underscores the challenges faced by the international community in responding to such political crises while upholding democratic values and principles.