AFP/ TERESA SUAREZ/ POOL
France’s ambassador to Niger will keep within the nation regardless of strain to depart from leaders of a latest coup, President Emmanuel Macron mentioned in a speech to diplomats on Monday.
Macron additionally reiterated France’s help to Niger’s ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, whose resolution to not resign Macron referred to as brave.
“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,” mentioned Macron.
On Friday, Niger’s junta, which seized energy in a coup on July 26, mentioned it had ordered French ambassador Sylvain Itte to depart the nation inside 48 hours.
Macron additionally dismissed calls from some within the United States and Europe for Western powers to surrender on Bazoum.
“We do not recognise those who have carried out the putsch, we support a president who has not stepped down, and besides whom we remain engaged,” mentioned Macron.
The primary West African bloc ECOWAS has been attempting to barter with the leaders of the Niger coup, and has mentioned it is able to deploy troops to revive constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.
