FRENCH ENVOY TO STAY IN NIGER SAYS MACRON DESPITE PRESSURE FROM JUNTA TO LEAVE

Mon 28 August 2023:

President Emmanuel Macron announced in a speech to diplomats on Monday that France’s ambassador to Niger will remain in the nation despite demands from leaders of a recent coup.

On Friday, Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that French ambassador Itte had 48 hours to leave, saying he had refused to meet with the new rulers and citing French government actions that were “contrary to the interests of Niger”.

Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, whom Macron praised for his refusal to resign.

“France and its diplomats have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment and I applaud your colleague and your colleagues who are listening from their posts,” he said.

“I think our policy is the right one. It’s based on the courage of President Bazoum, and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite all the pressure, despite all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities,” said Macron.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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