Macron insists on leaving French ambassador in Niger, despite ultimatum

President Emmanuel Macron says the French ambassador to Niger Republic is still in the country despite the ultimatum issued by the junta.

Macron who stated this while speaking to diplomats on Monday, admitted France’s support to the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum.

On Friday the junta in Niger gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the French envoy Sylvain Itte to leave his post.

At a session with ambassadors gathered in Paris, Macron confirmed that Sylvain Itte was listening in from Niamey, Niger’s capital.

“I think our policy is the right one. It’s based on the courage of President Bazoum, and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite all the pressure, despite all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities,” Macron said.

“We do not recognise those who have carried out the putsch”, the French president said in reaction to calls to give up on Bazoum.