CNN —France’s ambassador to Niger is staying put in the West African country in defiance of an ultimatum by its military rulers ordering his exit within 48 hours on Friday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Itte will not leave Niger, despite the expiration of the junta’s deadline.
Up to 1,500 French soldiers are stationed in Niger, which has been a major partner of the French in the Sahel region.
“As already expressed, the European Union does not and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger,” Massrali added.
Also at the weekend, pro-junta demonstrators, mostly nationals of neighboring Benin and Burkina Faso thronged the streets to express support for Niger’s military administration.
Persons:
CNN —, Sylvain Itte, Emmanuel Macron, Itte, Macron, ”, Mohamed Bazoum, Bazoum, Monday, “, Nabila Massrali, Massrali
Organizations:
CNN, Nigerien, European Union, EU, Niger, ECOWAS
Locations:
Niger, West, ” France, France, Sahel, European, ., Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali