Authorities in the Niger Republic have dismissed reports that it ordered the expulsion of the envoys of Nigeria, the United States, and Germany from the Niger Republic.
OsunDailyNG reports that this was made known by the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad.
Recall that reports emerged that Niger had given an ultimatum to envoys of the United States, Germany, France, and Nigeria to leave the country within 48 hours.
But Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, had, while reacting to the report, said that Nigeria was not aware of such development
In a statement issued in Niamey, Niger, and dated August 25, 2023, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad said it only gave the French envoy in Niger, Ambassador Sylvain Itte, 48 hours ultimatum to leave the country.
The ministry said: “Contrary to the information distilled and purpose on social networks which report a decision by the Nigerien authorities ordering the Ambassadors of Germany, Nigeria, and the United States of America to leave Nigerien territory within 48 hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad specifies that the said information is false and that only the Ambassador of France in Niger is declared persona non grata.”
The ministry also reminded those who are agitated and still doubt the expression of its sovereign will that Niger does not need authorization or an interpretation of the Vienna Convention of 1961 to exercise its prerogatives and have Ambassador Sylvain Itte leave after the 48-hour period ultimatum.
