Niger's deadline has expires: Eyes on France

France announced that it does not recognise the decision of the military administration and Itte will continue to stay in the country.

In Niger, President Mohammed Bazum was detained by elements of the Presidential Guard Regiment on 26 July and the military announced that it had seized power that evening.

General Abdurrahmane Tchiani, Commander of the Presidential Guard Regiment, took charge of the transitional government named CNSP on 28 July.

CNSP appointed Lamine Zeine as prime minister on 7 August and announced the 21-member cabinet consisting of military and civilians on 10 August.

The deadline given to France expired

The 48-hour period granted by the Niger Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 August to the French Ambassador to Niamey, Slyvain Itte, to leave the country has come to an end.

While the deadline expired at 19.00 local time, the security measures taken around the French Embassy in Niamey drew attention.

According to information from local sources, no one is allowed to approach the area.

France did not recognise the decision

France announced that it does not recognise the junta's decision stating that there is no authority to demand the departure of the French Ambassador and that Itte will continue to stay in Niger.

It is stated that the military administration may stop the supply of electricity, water, food and fuel to the French Embassy and the French military base if Itte does not leave the country.

Anti-France protesters keep vigil around the French military base

Those demanding the departure of French soldiers have been waiting around the French military base in the capital Niamey since the early morning.

Demonstrators have been waiting around the base since 05.30 due to allegations that Itte is hiding in the French military base known as 'Niamey 101'.

The military administration that came to power in Niger on 26 July announced the cancellation of 5 military cooperation agreements signed with France.