France’s ambassador to Niger would stay in the country despite pressure from coup leaders, President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech to diplomats on Monday.

Mr Macron also reiterated France’s support to Niger’s ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, whose decision not to resign Mr Macron called courageous.

“I think our policy is the right one. It’s based on the courage of President Bazoum and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining in spite of all the pressure and declarations made by the illegitimate authorities,” said Mr Macron.

On August 25, the Niger junta, which seized power in a coup on July 26, said it had ordered French ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country within 48 hours.

Mr Macron also dismissed calls from some groups in the United States and Europe for Western powers to give up on Mr Bazoum.

“We do not recognise those who have carried out the putsch; we support a president who has not stepped down, and besides whom we remain engaged,” said Mr Macron.

The main West African bloc, ECOWAS, has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the Niger coup. It has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. 

(Reuters/NAN)