Niger Junta Expels French Ambassador within 48 Hours

Niger's junta has ordered the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, citing the ambassador's refusal to attend a scheduled meeting and "other actions by the French government that are against Niger's interest." The French Foreign Ministry stated that the putschists do not have the authority to make this demand, as the ambassador's approval comes from the legitimate, elected Nigerien authorities. Meanwhile, the US State Department clarified that circulating letters calling for the departure of certain American diplomatic personnel were not issued by the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs.