Niger's military junta (Photo:Telesur)

Niamey, Sep 1 (RHC) The military junta that governs Niger banned access to military operation zones to United Nations (UN) agencies and other international organizations, it was learned Friday.

A statement from the Nigerien Ministry of Interior said that due to the current security situation and the operational commitment of the Armed Forces, international organizations, national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and UN agencies in the country are informed that all activities and movements in the areas of operations are suspended.

Meanwhile, it was learned that police agents are searching all cars leaving the French embassy in Niger, after receiving instructions to expel the ambassador of the European country, Sylvain Itte, to whom the new authorities withdrew his diplomatic immunity, and demanded his departure from the African nation within 48 hours.

For his part, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, affirmed that the ambassador would continue to exercise his functions in spite of the pressure of the coup plotters, in a challenge to the new authorities.

A military junta called the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland announced on July 26th, through state television, the dismissal of President Mohamed Bazoum, the suspension of institutions, the closing of borders and a night curfew.

Niger is one of the poorest nations in the world suffering the effects of climate change and a food crisis affecting millions of people. (Source:PL)