The distinctions between Niamey and Paris appear insurmountable. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his government’s position on the junta during a significant foreign policy speech to ambassadors on Monday (August 28) in Paris.
On Monday, Macron emphasised that France’s stance condemning the coup would not alter and he offered support to Mohamed Bazoum and ECOWAS.
“Our policy is the right one. It depends on the courage of President Mohamed Bazoum, the commitment of our diplomats, of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite pressure,” Macron told a gathering of French ambassadors in the capital.
In a letter dated Friday, August 25, the Nigerien Foreign Ministry demanded that French Ambassador Sylvain Itte leave the country within 48 hours after accusing him of rejecting an invitation to meet with the ministry. Also mentioned in the letter were “actions of the French government contrary to the interests of Niger.”
On July 26, President Bazoum of Niger was overthrown. He has been urged to return, among others by France, the UN, and the Economic Community of West African States.
“We do not recognise the putschists, we support a president who has not resigned, who we remain committed to. And we support the diplomatic action and, military action should it be the case, of ECOWAS, within a partnership approach which is the one I presented last February, “ the French head of state said.
Since the coup, a new administration has been appointed by the de facto ruling CNSP. General Abdourahmane Tiani, the leader of the coup, declared on August 19 that the CNSP will restore democratic governance to Niger within three years.
ECOWAS has threatened to send troops and imposed sanctions on the country.
On August 10, a military spokeswoman for France announced that all development, financial, and military partnerships with Niger had been put on hold indefinitely.
