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Emmanuel Macron has rejected a demand from Niger’s military junta to recall the French ambassador.
In his annual speech to the country’s senior diplomats, Macron paid homage to the French ambassador in the capital, Niamey, “who is staying put, despite the pressure” and “illegitimate declarations of authority” by Niger’s military leadership.
His comments came after a 48-hour deadline the junta imposed for Ambassador Sylvain Itte to return to Paris expired on Sunday.
“We don’t recognize putschists. We support a president who hasn’t resigned,” he said. “If Ecowas abandons President Bazoum, I think that all the presidents across the region are more or less aware of the fate that awaits them.”
Earlier this month, Niger’s self-declared military leader Abdourahamane Tiani announced a three-year transition to democracy.