French ambassador expelled from Niger: Niger’s junta has expelled the French ambassador after refusing to respond to a summons, writes Bloomberg, citing a statement from the Nigerien foreign ministry. French ambassador Sylvain Itte — who was accredited by the foreign ministry under deposed President Mohamed Bazoum — rejected the order to leave within 48 hours, saying that the junta does not hold the authority to demand he leave the country. The military leadership had said that it was also expelling the US, German and Nigerian ambassadors, before a spokesperson retracted the orders.

Junta and Ecowas prepare for violence: Niger’s leadership has put its armed forces on highest alert, after an internal document issued by its defense chief said that “threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt,” reports Reuters. Ecowas has threatened military action to overturn the July 26 coup and restore constitutional order if diplomatic dialogues fail. Alieu Touray clarified on Friday that the group is “determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts,” although an intervention remains an option.

Also worth knowing this morning:

  • Saudi considering other offers to build nuclear capability: Companies from China, France and Russia are reportedly bidding to establish a nuclear plant in Saudi Arabia, giving Riyadh leverage over the US, which has so far refused to agree to allow the kingdom to enrich uranium without restrictions. (Financial Times)
  • China’s taking no chances with three-eyed fish: China has suspended imports of all Japanese seafood, effective immediately, in response to Japan’s decision on Thursday to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. (Xinhua)
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