At the weekend, report emerged that contrary to reports that the Nigerien military junta on Friday asked the French Ambassador to the country, Sylvain ITTE, to leave, it was the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, Mohammed Usman, that was actually ordered by the military government to leave within 48 hours.
The Nigerien authorities, in a sighted memo No. 011539/MAE/C/NE/SG dated on Friday, said the junta’s action followed the Ambassador Usman’s failure to honour an invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger.
Read full letter below:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger presents its compliments to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and has the honor to inform it that in reaction to the refusal of the Ambassador of the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, for an interview on Friday August 25, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., and other actions of Nigeria in Niamey to respond Nigerian Government, contrary to the interests of the Niger, the competent Nigerien authorities have decided to withdraw their approval from Mr. Mohamed Usman and to ask him to leave Nigerien Territory within forty-eight hours (48h).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the assurances of its highest consideration.
