Niger Junta Expels French Ambassador within 48 Hours

Niger's military junta has ordered the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, claiming that the French government's actions were contrary to Niger's interests. However, France has stated that the junta has no authority to expel its ambassador. Reports of similar orders for the US, German, and Nigerian ambassadors were declared fake by the authorities. Niger, a key ally in the fight against extremism in the Sahel, gained independence from France in 1960. The coup has raised concerns about potential Russian influence, and security operations and financial aid from France and the US have been suspended. Germany has called for EU sanctions on the coup leaders.