Hundreds of demonstrators in Niger on Sunday 3 September 2023 held a 3rd day of rallies calling for former colonial ruler France to withdraw its troops, as sought by the junta which seized energy in July.
“Down with France! France, get out,” the demonstrators chanted, repeating slogans heard at numerous rallies in Niamey for the reason that coup d’etat on July 26.
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The navy regime fired a brand new verbal broadside
Niger’s navy regime had fired a brand new verbal broadside at France on Friday, accusing Paris of “blatant interference” by backing the nation’s ousted president.
Since then, tens of 1000’s of individuals have joined within the protest at a roundabout near the Niger navy base the place French troopers are stationed.
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Relations with France, the nation’s former colonial energy and ally in its combat towards jihadism, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, On August 3, the regime introduced the scrapping of navy agreements with France, which has about 1,500 troopers stationed within the nation.
Niger navy rulers introduced the expulsion
Niger’s navy rulers have additionally introduced the “expulsion” of the French ambassador Sylvain Itte and mentioned they’re withdrawing his diplomatic immunity. They mentioned his presence constituted a menace to public order.
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However French President Emmanuel Macron final Monday hailed Itte’s work in Niger and mentioned he remained within the nation regardless of being given a 48-hour deadline to depart. On Sunday, France as soon as once more justified retaining its ambassador in place.
“He’s our consultant to the professional authorities in Niger,” mentioned International Minister Catherine Colonna in an interview with Le Monde newspaper,“We don’t need to bow to the injunctions of a minister who has no legitimacy”, she added, assuring that Paris was guaranteeing “that he can face the strain from the putschists in full security”.
bur-pid/pvh/jj© Agence France-Presse
