Reuters: France’s ambassador to Niger has left the country early on Wednesday, following the military government’s expulsion order about a month ago and President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of the diplomat’s withdrawal along with the removal of French troops.
Tensions between Niger and France, its former colonial ruler, had escalated since military officers seized power in Niamey in July. The junta had demanded the departure of French ambassador Sylvain Itte within 48 hours at the end of August, citing actions by France that they deemed detrimental to Niger’s interests.
Initially, France disregarded the expulsion order, maintaining its position that the military government was illegitimate and calling for the reinstatement of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in the July coup. However, Macron declared on Sunday that the ambassador would return to Paris, and French troops would be withdrawn.
Sources in Niger confirmed that Itte had left the country, a move later officially confirmed by the president’s office in Paris.
Since the military takeover, there have been nearly daily protests against France in Niamey. Supporters of the junta have held prolonged demonstrations outside a French military base, demanding the departure of French troops. Macron had expressed concerns that Itte and his staff were effectively being held against their will at the embassy.