The European Union on Monday expressed its "full support" for the French ambassador to Niger, after the soldiers who seized power in the country demanded his departure.
"The decision of the putschists to expel the French ambassador is a new provocation which cannot in any way help to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis," said Nabila Massrali, EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs, adding that the EU "does not recognise" the authorities that seized power in Niger on July 26.
French envoy Sylvain Itte was given a 48-hour deadline to leave the country last Friday. Niger's foreign ministry said he had refused to meet with the new rulers and cited French government actions that were "contrary to the interests of Niger".
Itte remains in the Niger capital of Niamey despite the coup leaders' ultimatum, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday in a major foreign policy speech to ambassadors gathered in Paris.
"France and its diplomats have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment and I applaud your colleague and your colleagues who are listening from their posts," said Macron.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled on July 26 and has been detained along with his family at the presidential palace in a coup that has been condemned by France and most of Niger's neighbours.
Macron insisted that France would not change position in condemning the coup and offering support to Bazoum, stressing he had been democratically elected and was being "courageous" by refusing to resign.
"Our policy is clear: we do not recognise the putschists," Macron said.
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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
