UN humanitarian coordinator Louise Aubin must “take all necessary measures” to leave Niamey within three days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces. The move is described as a response to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ “obstacles” at the recent UN high-level meeting in New York.
Niger’s former UN ambassador Bakary Yaou Sangare, who after the July coup became foreign minister, had been appointed to represent the country at the meeting. But the country’s ousted early government had also registered a participant. It created confusion at UN headquarters and led to no one being allowed to speak for Niger in the General Assembly.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson says after the announcement of the military regime’s decision that Guterres deeply regrets it.
— We were informed by authorities in Niger and I can tell you that the Secretary General deeply regrets the decision, says spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
A few weeks ago, France’s ambassador to Niger, who was also expelled by the military regime, left the country. In the same vein, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of the country’s 1,400 soldiers – a process that is now underway.
Niger’s ousted former president, pro-Western Mohamed Bazoum, had close relations with former colonial power France. After the coup, tensions between the countries have increased, as Paris, among other things, refused to recognize the military junta as Niger’s government.