Africa and Niger are not out of the woods yet as Paris backs ‘President Bazoum’ and ‘ECOWAS’ military action should it be the case’. Now, the latest reaction to the worrying Niger posture of France and ECOWAS is that French president Emmanuel Macron has doubled down on his government’s line regarding the juta.
According to Macron, the French government is not ready to change its position in condemning the coup. It has also indicated its full support for Mohamed Bazoum and ECOWAS.
The ECOWAS has threatened to invade Niger with military force to restore the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum.
“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,” In a speech on Monday (Aug. 28) in Paris French President Emmanuel said.
In a related development, the juta in Niger has ordered the French Ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave Niger within 48 hours in a letter Friday on (Aug. 25).
The letter which emanated from the Nigerien Foreign Ministry accused him of ignoring an invitation for a meeting with the ministry. The letter also cited “actions of the French government contrary to the interests of Niger.”
Niger’s President Bazoum was toppled on July 26. France, the Economic Community of West African States, and the UN among others have called for him to be reinstated.
“We do not recognize 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.