August 25, (THEWILL) – The military junta in Niger has given Mr. Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador in Niamey, and his German and Nigerian counterparts, a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the country.
Niger’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the development in a statement on Friday night.
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger presents its compliments to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic and has the honour to inform it that in response to note No. 023/02874 of 08 August 2023, addressed to the former Ambassador of Niger by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, to the refusal of the French Ambassador in Niamey to respond to the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, for an interview on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., and other actions of the French Government, Contrary to Niger’s interests, the Nigerian competent authorities have decided to withdraw their authorisation from Mr. Sylvain ITTE and to ask him to leave Nigerien territory within forty-eight hours (48 hours).
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger Takes this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic the assurances of its highest consideration,” the statement read.
For the German Ambassador, the statement added: “In reaction to German Ambassador Olivier Schnakenberg’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the Ministry for a discussion on Friday, August 25 at 11.00 a.m., and due to other actions of the German government contrary to Niger’s interests, the Ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Olivier Schnakenberg to leave the Nigerien territory.”
“In reaction to Nigerian Ambassador Mohamed Usman’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the Ministry for a discussion on Friday, August 25, at 11.30 a.m., and due to other actions of the Nigerian government contrary to Niger’s interests, the Ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Mohamed Usman to leave the Nigerien territory,” a separate statement read for the expulsion of the Nigerian Ambassador.
