Niger’s military on high alert has ordered the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating the diplomatic tension between the two countries. The military also put the armed forces on high alert, fearing a possible intervention by the regional bloc ECOWAS, which has condemned the coup and demanded the restoration of constitutional order.
The military led by Colonel Mamadou Djibo, accused the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, of refusing to meet with them and of acting against the interests of Niger.
The military also blamed France for supporting the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected in February and whose legitimacy is recognized by the international community.