Supporters of Niger's junta gather at a French military base in Niamey on August 11, 2023. (Photo: Mahamadou Hamidou/Reuters)

A previous statement by the junta-appointed foreign ministry said the decision to expel the ambassador was a response to actions taken by the French government that were “contrary to the interests of Niger.” It said these included the envoy’s refusal to respond to an invitation to meet Niger’s new foreign minister.

The junta previously accused France of plotting a military intervention in Niger to reinstate ousted Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum and manipulated the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose members include former French colonies, to this end.