Niger's Military Council Orders Expulsion of French Ambassador

The military council that seized power in Niger announced in a statement that the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Ité, "no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity, and the police have been instructed to expel him." France stated that those behind the coup in Niger do not have the authority to demand the French ambassador's departure. Last week, the military council ordered the ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours in response to actions by the French government, which they said "contradict Niger's interests." Paris has not officially recognized the military council's decision to annul bilateral military agreements, stating that these were signed with the "legitimate authorities" in Niger. Similarly, the French Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the coup leader does not have the authority to demand the ambassador's departure, adding, "We continually assess the security conditions and operations of our embassy." French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the ambassador would remain in the country despite the military council's pressures, reiterating France's support for the ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.