By John Ikani
Niger’s military leadership has disconnected electricity and water supplies to the French Embassy in the capital city, Niamey, and has barred food deliveries.
According to reports from Turkish news agency Anadolu, the military junta has extended the action to French consulate across several locations including Zinder, Tera, Oualam, Ayorou, Dosso, Niamey, and Filingue.
President of the National Support Committee for the CNSP, Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima was quoted to have given the directive.
“We ask Nigelec and SPEN (SEEN) to cut off water and electricity in the French Embassy, in the French consulates of Zinder and Niamey. In addition, any partners aiding the French in supplying goods and services will be viewed as enemies of the sovereign people.”
This move followed the military administration’s demand for the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to depart Nigerien territory within a two-day limit, which expired on Sunday.
Relations between Niamey’s new regime and various Western nations, as well as the West African bloc ECOWAS, have soured since the coup on July 26.
However, Paris authorities swiftly rejected the ambassador’s expulsion order by Friday evening, reiterating France’s refusal to acknowledge the military ruler’s authority.
