Rebels in Niger order French ambassador to leave country within 48 hours

French Ambassador to Niger Sylvain Itte must leave the republic within 48 hours. This is stated in the message of the Foreign Ministry of Niger, transmits Interfax.

The reason was the ambassador’s refusal to respond to an invitation for a conversation on August 25 at the Foreign Ministry and France’s “other actions” that “contradict the interests of Niger.”

Former French President Emmanuel Macron condemned military coup in Niger, calling it “illegal and very dangerous.” Paris did not recognize the power of the rebels and demanded the release of the arrested President Mohamed Bazum. At the beginning of August, Paris evacuated its citizens from Niger, while France refused to take its military out of the country.

Later Niger accused France in preparation for military intervention. On August 9, the rebels said that France had violated the airspace of the republic. In Paris these accusations rejected.

The military coup in Niger took place on July 27. President Mohamed Bazum was removed, and the leader of the rebellion, the head of the presidential guard, Abdurahman Tchiani, became the new leader. August 10 he signed Decree on the creation of a new government, which included 21 ministers.

The Kremlin has previously expressed concern about the situation in Niger. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow stands for the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country and for “restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties.”