Audio By Carbonatix
The foreign minister of France has reiterated her country's commitment to maintaining troops in Niger and keeping the French ambassador in place.
The military leadership in Niamey demanded the envoy's expulsion more than a week ago.
Catherine Colonna told Le Monde newspaper that the ambassador Sylvain Itte was the French representative to Niger's "legitimate authorities" - the deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Ms Colonna was speaking as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Niamey for a third consecutive day near a French military base.
They again called on the former colonial power to withdraw its troops.
France has about 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger to help quell an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region.
Latest Stories
-
Ghanaian delegation set for January 20, 2026 trip to Latvia in Nana Agyei case – Ablakwa
59 minutes -
Accra turns white as Dîner en Blanc delivers night of elegance and culture
3 hours -
War-torn Myanmar voting in widely criticised ‘sham’ election
5 hours -
Justice by guesswork is dangerous – Constitution Review Chair calls for data-driven court reforms
5 hours -
Justice delayed is justice denied, the system is failing litigants – Constitution Review Chair
5 hours -
Reform without data is a gamble – Constitution Review Chair warns against rushing Supreme Court changes
6 hours -
Rich and voiceless: How Putin has kept Russia’s billionaires on side in the war against Ukraine
6 hours -
Cruise ship hits reef on first trip since leaving passenger on island
6 hours -
UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy
7 hours -
Attack on Kyiv shows ‘Russia doesn’t want peace’, Zelensky says
7 hours -
Two dead in 50-vehicle pile up on Japan highway
7 hours -
Fearing deportation, Hondurans in the US send more cash home than ever before
7 hours -
New York blanketed in snow, sparking travel chaos
7 hours -
Creative Canvas 2025: Documenting Ghana’s creative year beyond the noise
11 hours -
We would have lost that game last season – Guardiola
11 hours