Niger’s coup leaders have given the French ambassador 48 hours to leave the country as bilateral ties continue to deteriorate rapidly.

An invitation to meet Niger’s foreign minister was declined by Sylvain Itte, according to the junta.

The former colonial power France said the putschists did not have the authority to order such an expulsion.

The French government opposes the July coup, saying that ousted president Mohammed Bazoum should be reinstated.

Niger’s junta-installed foreign minister announced the news on Friday.

France has been the target of a series of hostile statements and demonstrations.

Reports from the AFP news agency indicate that the French foreign ministry responded by noting the putschists.

According to the ministry, “The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, as the ambassador’s approval comes exclusively from Nigerien legitimate elected authorities.”

Last week, Niger’s coup leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, pledged to return the nation to civilian rule within three years.

After meeting with mediators from the West African regional bloc Ecowas in Niamey, he announced the agreement.

If talks fail, Ecowas will take military action to reverse last month’s overthrow of President Bazoum.

Niger’s junta head said the country did not want war, but would defend itself against foreign intervention.

It would not be a walk in the park if an attack were undertaken against us, he warned.

Furthermore, Gen Tchiani criticized Ecowas for imposing “illegal and inhumane” sanctions on the landlocked impoverished country.

Electricity has been cut, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities, as well as imports are being blocked.