France's president praises the diplomat for staying put despite being told to go by Niger's junta.
In the wake of July's coup in Niger, protesters tore down the sign of France's embassy in the capital, NiameyFrance's ambassador has remained in Niger despite being given a 48-hour deadline to leave the country last Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in a defiant speech.But hours after the coup leaders' deadline had passed, the president said he "applauds" Mr Itte for staying put.
Some held signs demanding the departure of French troops, while footage posted on social media appears to show local Muslim imams leading prayers outside the base. Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also both under military rule, would also have suffered the same fate without France, Mr Macron said.
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