French ambassador will stay in Niger despite pressure from the junta

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the French ambassador will stay in Niger, despite pressure from the putschists.

He made this statement as he opened the 29th edition of the Ambassadors’ Conference.

“I think our policy is the right one. It is based on the courage of President (Mohamed) Bazoum, on the commitment of our ambassador on the ground who remains despite the pressures, despite all the declarations of illegitimate authorities”, declared the French president.

Military authorities in power in Niger on Friday ordered the departure of the French ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itté, giving him 48 hours to leave the country.