Niger’s military junta removed the diplomatic immunity and credentials of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte, and ordered police to deport him from the country, according to a release of the Niger’s Foreign ministry on Tuesday.
The deadline for the diplomat’s departure was on August 28, yet France has not recalled him back to the homeland. The French government refuses to recognize the junta as the country’s legitimate leaders. French president Emmanuel Macron made a statement on Monday saying that the ambassador would not leave the country despite the junta’s demands.
The diplomatic cards and visas of the ambassadors’ families have also been revoked.
Since Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted last month, the junta have taken advantage of anti-French sentiment in the country to bolster its base of support. Rallies in front of a French military base have been taking place almost daily, with junta supporters chanting “Down with France.”