The situation in Niger remains tense
Photo from: EASTERN NEWS
The armed forces of the African Niger are in a state of maximum readiness. The order was given by the chief of the country’s Defense Staff.
At the same time, the French ambassador was ordered to leave Niger within 48 hours after he refused to meet the country’s foreign minister. Also in the message of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger it is said that the expulsion of the ambassador was facilitated by “some actions of the French government that are contrary to the interests of Niger.”
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that “the coup plotters’ request has been taken into account”, stating that “only the legally elected authorities of Niger have the authority to expel the ambassador”.
It was previously reported that the rebel government demanded that the ambassadors of Germany, the United States and Nigeria also leave for their homeland. Written notes from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs were even circulating on the Internet, calling for the expulsion from Niamey of the heads of several foreign diplomatic missions. But later this information was refuted.
Niger, a former French colony, is one of the poorest countries in the world and one of the least urbanized. An important branch of its economy is uranium mining.
At the end of July, the Nigerien army overthrew President Mohamed Bazum. The rebels closed the borders and declared a curfew. The commander of the presidential guard, General Abdurahman Chiani, has proclaimed himself the new leader. The coup was condemned by many states around the world, including Niger’s closest neighbors.
