Niger’s military government has escalated its criticism of France, accusing Paris of “blatant interference” for supporting the country’s ousted president, President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum, a French ally, was detained by his guard on July 26, and France’s statements in support of him have been deemed interference by the regime.

In a statement read on national TV, regime spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane called French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments “blatant interference in Niger’s domestic affairs.”

France is also involved in a standoff with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to reinstate Bazoum fail.

Macron expressed his support for ECOWAS’ diplomatic and, if necessary, military actions. He praised Bazoum’s “commitment, action, and courage” while dismissing Niger’s current rulers as having “no legitimacy.”

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Niger’s regime argues that Macron’s comments and support for military intervention aim to perpetuate neocolonialism against the Nigerien people.

The dispute centers on the relevance of France’s military presence in Niger.

France has around 1,500 troops in Niger, stationed at an airbase near Niamey, to combat a jihadist insurgency.

Thousands of people recently protested outside the base, organized by the M62, a coalition opposing France’s military presence in Niger.