The French presidency stated in a statement today, Sunday, that "any attack on French citizens or the country's interests in Niger will be met with an immediate and firm response from France." The office of President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that "the president will not tolerate any attack on France or its interests," confirming that "Paris will respond to any attacks on French diplomats, military personnel, or French companies and businesses."
The statement added that "Macron spoke with the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou in the past few hours," noting that they condemned the coup and called for calm. Thousands of people are protesting in front of the French embassy in Niamey today, with some insisting on entering it, during a rally for the military coup supporters in Niger who ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The leaders of the Niger coup announced General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new president of the country on Friday, stating that they have suspended the constitution and dissolved all previous institutions following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.
