Situation in Niger After Military Coup
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

Niger Shuts Down Water, Power at French Embassy as Ultimatum to Envoy Expires: Reports

© Photo Twitter / @ambafr_au_nigerFlags of Niger and France states in Niamey
Flags of Niger and France states in Niamey - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 28.08.2023
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On Friday, the Foreign Ministry of Niger declared the French ambassador to the country persona non grata and instructed him to leave the country within 48 hours, justifying the move by insisting that the actions of the French authorities are contrary to the interests of Niger.
The 48-hour deadline that the authorities of Niger gave French Ambassador Sylvain Itte to depart the country expired on Sunday.
According to reports on social media, the coup administration cut off water and electricity to the French embassy in Niamey and forbid food delivery to the facility when the ultimatum expired.
Furthermore, any associates who keep assisting the French in the supply of goods and services would be considered "enemies of the sovereign people," the reports stressed, citing Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima, the President of the National Support Committee for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country.

The ultimatum to the French ambassador was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger on August 25.

Niger's rebel-formed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland told the media that it is entitled to demand that the country's ambassador leave the West African nation in line with the Vienna Agreement.
Protesters hold an anti-France placard during a demonstration on independence day in Niamey on August 3, 2023. Security concerns built on August 3, 2023 ahead of planned protests in coup-hit Niger, with France demanding safety guarantees for foreign embassies as some Western nations reduced their diplomatic presence. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 17.08.2023
Situation in Niger After Military Coup
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In response, the French Foreign Ministry reportedly stated that the mutineers had no right to demand that the French Envoy leave Niger, since "the Ambassador's agrement is issued solely by the legitimate authorities of Niger."
In late July, Niger's military announced on national television the ouster of the country's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. Leaders of most Western countries including France, as well as the regional organization ECOWAS, condemned the coup.
Following the coup, numerous demonstrations took place outside the French base in Niamey, demanding that the former colonial master of Niger end its military presence in the country.
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