Despite the coup in Niger, Aichatou Boulama Kane, Niger’s ambassador to France, asserted that she is still serving in her position and remains loyal to President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently detained. Kane, who assumed her role in July 2022, has rejected the coup leaders’ order to end her mandate, along with the mandates of the Niger ambassadors to Nigeria, Togo, and the United States. She considers the notification from the putschists as “null and void,” asserting that she is the legitimate ambassador of Niger in France.
The coup leaders had notified her of their decision to replace her with a charge d’affaires, but she has refused to accept this decision and continues to work in her office. President Bazoum himself contacted her to express his confidence and urge her to carry on with their work.
President Bazoum, who has been detained with his family since the coup on July 26, described himself as a “hostage” in a column published in The Washington Post. He called on the US government and the international community to assist in restoring constitutional order in Niger.
Aichatou Boulama Kane also condemned the coup leaders’ decision to cut military cooperation with France, stating that it is illegal and aims to force France to withdraw its troops from Niger. She emphasized that the military collaboration between France and Niger has been effective in combating terrorism in the Sahel, and any withdrawal of French troops would be detrimental to Niger’s security.
The junta announced its decision to scrap military pacts with France, citing the former ruler’s “careless” attitude and France’s reaction to the coup.
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