In a recent development that has been roiling the diplomatic sphere, the Niger Military Council has debunked circulating reports claiming the expulsion of foreign diplomats from Nigeria, Germany, and the United States. A government source in Niger clarified that the French ambassador is the only envoy who has been requested to leave the country.
This clarification comes in the wake of reports by AFP suggesting that the Military Council initially validated the veracity of a document demanding the departure of ambassadors from the U.S., Germany, and Nigeria within 48 hours. However, the Council later receded on its confirmation, admitting the document was falsified.
The French Foreign Ministry responded assertively, stating that the Niger Military Council lacks the legitimacy to call for the French ambassador’s exit. “Decisions in Niger should only be made by lawful and democratically-elected authorities,” it affirmed, while continuously evaluating the operational and security conditions of its embassy in Niger.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the Nigerien Foreign Ministry informed them that no such official request was made for American diplomats to leave Niamey, Niger’s capital. The U.S. continues to work diplomatically to resolve the crisis that erupted on July 26, when Nigerien military officers seized power and placed President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest.
In a related context, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated that there are no plans to invade Niger, though the option of using force remains on the table. “Another coup in the region cannot be tolerated,” an ECOWAS spokesperson said. “All options, including the use of force, are being considered.”
Adding to this, Leonardo Santos Simao, Head of the UN Office for West Africa, confirmed in an interview that President Mohamed Bazoum is in good health and discounted the likelihood of his execution by the Military Council. “Physical health is not an issue. However, the psychological state is another story,” he noted.
This recent sequence of events adds a new layer of complexity to Niger’s political landscape, which has already been tense since the military coup that ousted President Bazoum. The situation remains highly volatile, as regional powers, diplomatic entities, and international organizations scramble to navigate through this thorny issue.
By covering these multi-faceted dimensions, this report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current political and diplomatic intricacies in Niger.
