Zeine said that after the military administration cancelled all security and military cooperation agreements signed with France, French troops are in the country “illegally”. Therefore, the presence of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte in Niger is illegal and his expulsion is imperative.

But Zeine pledged that Niger’s law enforcement forces will not enter the French Embassy to carry out the expulsion.

The statement was made as hundreds of protesters continue to gather outside the military base and the French Embassy in Niamey to pressure France to withdraw Ambassador Itte and all French troops stationed in Niger.

The same day, Niger reopened its airspace to all domestic and international commercial flights after nearly a month’s closure.

All ground services at the airport have also resumed. But Niger’s airspace is still closed to all military flights.