Niger coup leaders give French ambassador 48 hours to leave country

The ultimatum was rejected by France's foreign ministry, which said it did not recognise the junta's authority

Niger's junta said on Friday it had ordered French ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country within 48 hours, as relations between the west African country and its former colonial ruler deteriorated further.

The junta-appointed foreign ministry said the decision to expel the ambassador was a response to actions taken by the French government that were contrary to the interests of Niger".