EU expresses support to French Ambassador in Niger, saying it does not recognize authorities of Putschist in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
The European Union expresses its full support for the French Ambassador saying it does not and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger.
The European Union stated this in a statement released on Monday by NABILA MASSRALI, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
MASSRALI said that the putschists' decision to expel the French Ambassador is a new provocation that can in no way help find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis.
Recall that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Republic of Niger, announced that it had withdrawn the authorisation of French Ambassador, Mr. Sylvain ITTE and asked him to leave Nigerien territory within forty-eight hours (48 hours).
They alleged their reasons to the refusal of the French Ambassador in Niamey to respond to the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, for an interview on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., and other actions of the French Government, Contrary to Niger's interests, the Nigerian competent authorities have decided to withdraw their authorisation from Mr. Sylvain ITTE and to ask him to leave Nigerien territory within forty-eight hours (48 hours).
But in its response, France rejected the resignation request of its ambassador to Niger on Friday evening, saying "Putschists have no authority" for such a request.
