Niger’s coup leaders have given the French ambassador 48 hours to leave the country as bilateral ties continue to deteriorate rapidly.
The junta said Sylvain Itte had refused to respond to an invitation to meet Niger’s foreign minister.
France, a former colonial power, said the “putschists have no authority” to order such an expulsion.
Paris opposes July’s coup, saying that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum must be returned to office.
Friday’s announcement was made by Niger’s foreign minister installed by the junta.
This follows a series of statements and demonstrations hostile towards France.
The French foreign ministry responded by saying that it had “taken note of the putschists”, the AFP news agency reported.
“The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities,” the ministry added.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s coup leader, last week pledged to return the West African nation to civilian rule within three years.
He made the announcement after meeting mediators from the West African regional bloc Ecowas in the capital, Niamey.
Ecowas has threatened military action to reverse last month’s overthrow of President Bazoum if talks fail.
The junta head said that Niger did not want a war, but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.
“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” he warned.
