Niger Coup: Military Junta Gives Nigerian, German Ambassadors 48 Hours to Leave the Country.

The military junta in Niger Republic has given the German and Nigerian ambassadors 48 hours to leave the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by the country’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, August 25, 2023.

The statement reads: “In reaction to German Ambassador Olivier Schnakenberg’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday August 25 at 11.00 a.m., and due to other actions of the German government contrary to Niger’s interests, the ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Olivier Schnakenberg’s to leave the Nigerien territory.”

Same reason was also given for the expulsion of Nigerian Ambassador to Niger. “In reaction to Nigerian Ambassador Mohamed Usman’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday August 25 at 11.30 a.m., and due to other actions of the Nigerian government contrary to Niger’s interests, the ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Mohamed Usman’s to leave the Nigerien territory,” it said in a separate statement.

On Thursday, August 24, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, met with some Islamic clerics to be dispatched to Niger Republic for continuing negotiations with the military government as the standoff continues, heightening a possible military intervention to restore constitutional order in the country.

Niger’s military junta had earlier, on same day, gave the French ambassador in the country, Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave the country.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani had taken power from the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.