By AFP 27 September 2023 | 10:15 am France’s ambassador to Niger left the capital Niamey early Wednesday, a French diplomatic source and a Nigerien government source said, after weeks of the post-coup military leaders in the West African country demanding his expulsion. France’s ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte. PC: CNN France’s ambassador to Niger left the capital Niamey early Wednesday, a French diplomatic source and a Nigerien government source said, after weeks of the post-coup military leaders in the West African country demanding his expulsion. “The ambassador and six colleagues left Niamey around 4:00 am (0300 GMT),” the diplomatic source from the French embassy said. A source in the Niger interior ministry confirmed the departure and said the plane was headed towards Chad. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would withdraw its ambassador Sylvain Itte from Niger, followed by the French military contingent in the coming months — both demands of the post-coup regime in Niamey. Niger’s leaders, who overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, welcomed the announcement by France but said they were waiting for it to be followed up by official actions. The regime had been demanding Itte’s departure since the end of August. They took away his diplomatic immunity and visa, but Paris had refused until now to withdraw him. France has not recognised the authority of the military leaders and is still demanding Bazoum’s restoration. Latest 24 mins ago Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has extended his heartfelt greetings to the entire Muslim community in Zamfara and Nigeria on the auspicious occasion of Maulud. The 12th day of Rabi’ul Awwal ( Islamic calendar) is celebrated as the birthday anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). In a statement on Wednesday by… 46 mins ago The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the hosting right of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. 59 mins ago In efforts aimed at dislocating their nefarious activities while denying them the liberty to carry out their acts and killing sprees on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians, aircraft under the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, yesterday, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, carried out several strikes on IPOB/ESN locations at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State and at Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. 1 hour ago Hong Kong police said on Wednesday they have arrested 6,400 people, including children, and seized millions of dollars in cash and contraband after a three-month operation targeting cross-border criminal activity. 2 hours ago North Korea has decided to expel US soldier Travis King, who was detained after crossing the border from the South in July, the KCNA state news agency said on Wednesday.
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