Niger’s junta gives German, Nigerian envoys 48 hours to leave country

Niger’s military administration on Friday gave the German and Nigerian ambassadors 48 hours to leave the country.

This was disclosed according to a Foreign Ministry statement, which stated: “In reaction to German Ambassador Olivier Schnakenberg’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday August 25 at 11.00 a.m., and due to other actions of the German government contrary to Niger’s interests, the ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Olivier Schnakenberg’s to leave the Nigerien territory.”

Same reason was also given for the expulsion of Nigerian Ambassador to Niger. “In reaction to Nigerian Ambassador Mohamed Usman’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday August 25 at 11.30 a.m., and due to other actions of the Nigerian government contrary to Niger’s interests, the ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Mohamed Usman’s to leave the Nigerien territory,” it said in a separate statement.

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), met with some Islamic clerics (Ulama) to be dispatched to Niger for continuing negotiations with the coup leaders as the standoff continues heightening a possible military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.

Niger’s military administration earlier gave the French ambassador 48 hours to leave the country.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna sent an Aug. 8 note to express solidarity with Nigerien Ambassador in Paris Aichatou Boulama Kane who refused to leave her position after the military administration took power.

Niger was plunged into turmoil July 26 when Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.