Tensions are escalating in Niger, as the military junta takes a stance by causing disruptions to services at the French Embassy in Niamey and several French consulates across the country.
According to reports from Anadolu a Turkish news wire social media sources have highlighted the juntas actions, which include cutting off electricity and water supplies to the French Embassy and even blocking food deliveries.
Reports indicate that similar actions have been taken at consulate locations such as Zinder, Tera, Oualam, Ayorou, Dosso, Niamey and Filingue.
Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima, President of the National Support Committee for CNSP (Conseil National pour le Salut du Peuple) has responded directly to this situation.
He has called upon all partners associated with bases in Niger to cease providing essential supplies like fuel, water, electricity and food products.
“We ask Nigelec and SPEN (SEEN), to cut off water and electricity in the French Embassy, in the French consulates of Zinder and Niamey,” he was quoted to have said.
“In addition, any partners who continue to help the French in the process of supplying the goods and services will be considered enemies of the sovereign people.”
The reports came after a two-day deadline given by the military junta to the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave Nigerien territory.
Relations between the Niger’s junta and several western powers, including the West African bloc ECOWAS, have soured since the coup on July 26.
However, authorities in Paris were quick to reject the order against its ambassador by Friday evening, insisting that France did not recognise the military rulers’ authority.