France: Those Behind Niger's Coup Have No Authority to Demand French Ambassador's Departure

The French Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday that those behind the coup in Niger "do not have the authority" to demand the departure of the French ambassador in Niamey. It indicated that it is "constantly assessing the safety of our embassy and its operational conditions." The military council that seized power in Niger last month announced that the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itté, no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity and that police have been instructed to expel him. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the ambassador will remain in the country despite pressure from the military council.