2023-09-02 22:43:16
The Niamey court ordered the expulsion from Niger of the French ambassador Sylvain Itté, whose accreditation was withdrawn. This was reported by the Nigerian Press Agency (ANP).
According to the judgment of the court, since Sylvain Itté no longer has diplomatic status and is not in possession of a permanent residence permit in Niger, he is forced to leave Nigerien territory immediately. It should be noted that the Nigerien authorities filed a complaint once morest the ambassador in this regard.
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On August 25, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) formally requested the departure of the French ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itté. However, the latter refused to comply with this request and did not respond to the summons issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thus declining any meeting with the representatives of the new authorities.
On September 1, Niger’s interior ministry, which is now run by members of the CNSP, reiterated its demand for the expulsion of the French ambassador from the national territory. A period of 48 hours was granted to the ambassador to leave the country. The ministry also pointed out that Sylvain Itté and his wife were in Niger in an irregular situation.
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The French foreign ministry responded by arguing that the rebels lacked the authority to demand the ambassador’s departure, as diplomatic accreditation is issued exclusively by the legitimate authorities in Niger.
This diplomatic conflict stems from the events of late July, when military officers of the Presidential Guard in Niger mutinied and announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. The CNSP, led by the commander of the Presidential Guard, Abdourahamane Tchiani, took power in the country.
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The leaders of the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reacted by imposing severe sanctions on the perpetrators of the coup and demanding the release of Mr. Bazoum, while threatening to use force to achieve this.
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