After the ambassadors of the United States, Germany, France and Nigeria refused to go to a meeting with the new head of the Foreign Ministry, the putschists are trying to expel diplomats from Niger.
Nigerian putschists are demanding that the ambassadors of the United States, France, Germany and Nigeria leave the country within 48 hours after the diplomats refused to accept an invitation to meet with the rebel foreign minister-designate. This was reported by Al Jazeera in association with AFP.
The new American ambassador, Kathleen Fitzgibbon, arrived in Niamey in early August. Earlier, a similar request was presented by the head of the French diplomatic mission, Sylvain Itte.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the decision to expel the ambassador was made in response to the actions of the French authorities, which were “against the interests of Niger.” This is especially the case with the ambassador’s refusal to meet with the appointed rebel foreign minister.
Paris reacted by declaring that “the putschists have no authority” to expel the ambassador, as his appointment was approved by legally elected authorities.
France, like other Western countries, is pushing for the return of ousted President Mohamed Bazum to power and is supporting the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis.
German ambassador Olivier Schnackenberg and a Nigerian diplomat also had to leave the country after they refused to accept the invitation.
It was earlier reported that six West African countries were preparing to intervene in Niger.
Recall that in late July, a military group from Niger’s presidential guard rebelled and announced the removal of President Mohammed Bazum. Army General Abdurakhman Tchiani was declared as the new leader of the country.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.