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
-
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
3 mins -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
4 mins -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
52 mins -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
53 mins -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
53 mins -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
54 mins -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
59 mins -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
1 hour -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
1 hour -
Ellembelle MP cuts sod for six-unit classroom block at Nkroful Agric SHS
1 hour -
‘I’ll beat the hell out of you if you misbehave on December 7’ – Achiase Commanding Officer
1 hour -
AFPNC leads the charge on World Prematurity Day 2024
1 hour -
Court remands unemployed man over theft of ECG property
1 hour -
Election security rests solely with the police – Central Regional Police Command
1 hour