Image- Reuters
Metropolis Desk-
In spite of pressure from the leaders of a recent coup, France’s ambassador to Niger will remain there, President Emmanuel Macron announced in an address to diplomats on Monday.
Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Mohamed Bazoum, the deposed president of Niger, whose resolve not to quit Macron praised.
“I believe that our policy is sound. It is based on the fortitude of President Bazoum and the dedication of our ambassador there, who has remained despite all the pressure and all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities, according to Macron.
The Nigerian junta, which took control of the nation in a coup on July 26, announced on Friday that it had given the French ambassador 48 hours to leave the nation.
Macron also rejected requests from some Americans and Europeans for Western countries to abandon Bazoum.
We support a president who has not resigned and with whom we are still engaged, we do not recognize those who carried out the putsch, added Macron.
The main West African bloc, ECOWAS, has been attempting to talk with the coup leaders in Niger and has stated that, if diplomatic efforts are unsuccessful, it is prepared to send soldiers to restore constitutional order.
Source- Arab News
