The European Union issued a statement on Monday expressing its deep concern over the recent expulsion of the French ambassador from Niger by military authorities.
The EU condemned the move, stating that the decision by the Nigerien military to expel the French envoy was an "act of provocation that will not contribute to a diplomatic resolution of the crisis."
This statement follows a speech by President Macron of France, addressing his country's ambassadors, in which he emphasized the need for a resolute stance in dealing with political issues on the continental level.
Macron's speech came in response to the ultimatum given by the Nigerien military on Friday, giving the French ambassador in Niamey 48 hours to leave the country, as stated in a message from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to the expulsion order, the European Union reiterated its "full support" for the French ambassador in Niamey on Monday.
Despite the military's deadline for departure having passed, the ambassador remains in residence in Niger's capital, according to the French news agency.
Nabilah Masrali, spokesperson for the diplomatic department of the EU, remarked that the decision by the Nigerien military to expel the French ambassador is a new provocation that can in no way assist in reaching a diplomatic solution to the current crisis.
She affirmed that the EU does not recognize and will not recognize the authorities stemming from the military in Niger.
The military authorities had earlier cited the "refusal of the French ambassador in Niamey to respond" to their invitation for a meeting on Friday and "other actions by the French government that are contrary to Niger's interests."
As a result, they revoked their approval for Ambassador Sylvain Etienne and requested his departure from Niger within 48 hours.
During his address to French ambassadors on Monday, President Emmanuel Macron touched upon the challenges facing French foreign policy, including recent events in Niger.
Macron acknowledged that "France and diplomats have faced difficult situations in some countries in the past months," whether in Niger or Sudan.
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