Paris: Niger coup leaders have no authority to expel French amb.

August 31, 2023 / 6:00 PM

Sharjah 24 – Reuters: The people involved in a recent military coup in Niger have "no authority" to ask France's ambassador in Niamey to leave, the foreign ministry in Paris said on Thursday.

"We constantly evaluate the safety and operating conditions of our embassy," the ministry added.

The junta that seized power in Niger last month said that the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, no longer had diplomatic immunity and police had been instructed to expel him.

French President Emmanuel Macron had said on Monday that the ambassador would stay in the country despite the junta's pressure.