The court on Saturday approved the immediate expulsion of Sylvain Itte and revoked his diplomatic immunity, after France’s President Emmanuel Macron rejected the ruling junta’s demand to recall the ambassador, according to Bloomberg.
Niger’s military leaders have accused Macron of “blatant interference” he threw his weight behind Mohamed Bazoum, the pro-West Nigerien president who was toppled in the July 26 coup. Bazoum has refused to accept his ouster, which Macron has described as courageous.
Macron has also voiced support for the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, which has adopted a tough stance, including threats of military action against Niger’s military leaders and to restore the toppled president.
Anti-French sentiments have remained high, with several protests taking place in the capital Niamey, calling for the French envoy and troops to leave Niger.
The latest such protest took place near a base housing French soldiers on Saturday (Sep. 2), with thousands renewing those calls.
The protesters say France should respect their choice.
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