France President Emmanuel Macron Breaks Silence Over Junta Situation In Niger Republic

Emmanuel Macron has made a policy speech over the situation in Niger Republic, confirming that French envoy Sylvain Itte remains in Niamey.

Macron made this disclosure while speaking with ambassadors in Paris, stating that Itte joined the conversation from Niger’s capital. This came after Itte was given a 48-hour deadline to leave the country last Friday following the post-coup situation in the country. He noted that French officials have continued to face difficult times in some countries in recent months, particularly in Africa. “France and its diplomats have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment, and I applaud your colleague and your colleagues who are listening from their posts,” he said via Al Jazeera. On July 26, a democratically elected government led by Mohamed Bazoum was bundled out in a presidential palace in a coup that has been condemned by France and most of Niger’s neighbours. https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1696129494330077443 Last Friday, the new foreign ministry in Niger ordered Itte to leave the country within 24 hours over alleged failure to meet with the new rulers in the country. The Junta stated that the French government was capable of actions that were “contrary to the interests of Niger”. According to Macron, France would not change its position in condemning the coup and offering support to Bazoum, stressing he had been democratically elected and was being “courageous” by refusing to resign. He added: “Our policy is clear: we do not recognise the putschists.”