The French president said that he still regarded Mr Bazoum, currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, as the country’s “sole legitimate authority” and had informed him of his decision.
“He was targeted by this coup d’etat because he was carrying out courageous reforms and because there was a largely ethnic settling of scores and a lot of political cowardice,” he said.
Niger’s military leaders told French ambassador Sylvain Itte he had to leave the country after they overthrew Mr Bazoum on July 26.
However, a 48-hour ultimatum for him to leave, issued in August, passed with him still in place as the French government refused to comply, or to recognise the military regime as legitimate.
Mr Macron’s statement also comes hours after Niger’s coup leaders banned “French aircraft” from flying over the country.
The air space would remain closed for “all military, operational and other special flights”, unless receiving prior authorisation, the message said.
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