Paris, 28 August 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The French ambassador plans to stay in Niger despite having been given an ultimatum by the country's putschists, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.

On Friday, the military junta had given French ambassador Sylvain Itté 48 hours to leave the country. But Macron now said the ambassador will stay put despite the pressure.

Macron stated that France did not recognize the junta who seized power in Niger in a military coup on July 26. The Presidential Guard ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him and his family under house arrest.

The commander of the elite unit, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, subsequently appointed himself the new ruler and suspended the constitution. The junta also terminated military cooperation with former colonial power France.

The French foreign ministry said the putschists were not authorized to make such a demand of the ambassador, as Itté's accreditation comes from only legitimate, elected authorities.

Macron also said France supported the West African community of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in regards to any steps - diplomatic or military - it chooses to take in order to reinstate the Nigerien constitution.

For France, Niger had been an important partner in its anti-terror fight in Africa's Sahel region - especially after the military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso forced the withdrawal of French troops from their countries.

Paris has about 2,500 soldiers stationed in Niger and neighbouring Chad.

Photo: EPA