Niger’s military rulers have withdrawn the diplomatic immunity of the French ambassador, Itte Sylvian, and ordered the police to expel him.
This was contained in a letter released by the junta, according to AFP. The letter, dated Tuesday, states that the envoy “no longer enjoys the privileges and immunities attached to his status as a member of the diplomatic personnel in the French embassy.”
This move comes after a coup in the country on July 26 that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him on house arrest.
Relations between Niger and France deteriorated after Paris stood by Bazoum and refused to recognize Niger’s new rulers.
On Friday, the authorities gave French envoy Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave the country, but France refused the demand, stating that the government had no legal right to make such an order.
On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Itte for remaining in his post.
French military spokesman Colonel Pierre Gaudilliere warned on Thursday that “the French military forces are ready to respond to any upturn in tension that could harm French diplomatic and military premises in Niger” and that “measures have been taken to protect these premises.”
