This means French troops’ presence on Niger territory is not allowed but the junta did not specify when French forces would have to leave.

Last Friday, the junta ordered the French ambassador to leave Niger within 48 hours. In the following days, supporters of the military government continuously organized protests outside the Embassy headquarters and the French military base in the capital Niamey to add to the pressure.

Some political forces even called on the military government to cut off electricity and water supplies, as well as block food supplies to French diplomatic missions and military bases. France currently maintains 1,500 troops in Niger under a security cooperation agreement signed between the two countries.