Niger’s military rulers have ordered four ambassadors to leave the country (from the United States, Germany, Nigeria and United Nations), a decision initially confirmed by the Communications Department of the Ruling National Council for Safeguard but later retracted. Afterward, a 48-hour ultimatum was given to the French ambassador to leave the country, as announced by Niamey’s Foreign Ministry on Friday.

On Saturday, the new regimen in Niger have ordered three ambassadors, from the United States, Nigeria, and Germany, in addition to the United Nations envoy, to leave the country. The statement was initially confirmed by the Communications Department of the Ruling National Council for Safeguard, which later retracted its confirmation.

Niger’s military rulers, who seized control of the government in July, gave the French ambassador 48 hours to leave the country, Niamey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday.

Relations between the new regime in Niamey and several Western powers, as well as the West African bloc ECOWAS have deteriorated since the coup on July 26th.

France’s government quickly rejected the order against its ambassador, repeating that it did not recognize the military rulers’ authority.

The French Foreign Ministry informed on Friday evening: “The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities.”

The ultimatum against the French envoy comes days after ECOWAS threatened military action to reverse last month’s coup, which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

Paris has repeatedly backed calls by ECOWAS for the reinstatement of Bazoum.

France has 1,500 soldiers based in Niger who had been helping Bazoum in the fight against jihadist forces that have been active in the country for years.

Earlier Friday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged Niger’s coup leaders to reconsider their position and pushed for a return to civilian rule, with the threat of force still “very much on the table”.

ECOWAS has already applied sanctions against Niger to pressure the new regime.

Three other governments have fallen to military rebellions in the Sahel region since 2020, and jihadists control swathes of territory.

Niger’s military leaders have also warned against any intervention, accusing ECOWAS of preparing an occupying force in league with an unnamed foreign country.

The officers on Thursday said they would let troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso intervene in Niger in case of an aggression.

But Touray dismissed plans for ECOWAS “declaring war” or an “invasion” of Niger, insisting the standby mission would be a legitimate force allowed under ECOWAS statutes agreed by members.

ECOWAS has intervened militarily in past crises, including in civil wars. Few details of the new standby force have emerged.

Miroslava Salazar, with AFP