11th October, 2023
Niger’s post-coup military leaders have given Louise Aubin, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, a 72-hour ultimatum to leave the country.
This is contained in a statement issued and released by the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
The directive comes in response to what the statement referred to as “barriers” placed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, allegedly aimed at obstructing Niger’s full and active participation at the UN General Assembly held last month.
Niger Junta had previously criticised the actions of the UN chief, denouncing them as undermining efforts to resolve the crisis in Niger.
Bakary Yaou Sangare, who formerly served as Niger’s ambassador to the UN before the coup and now holds the position of foreign minister under the new leadership, was designated as the representative for Niger at the UN General Assembly.
However, there was also an application from the ousted government to represent Niamey, resulting in a deferral of the matter, with no representative from Niger added to the list of speakers.
This decision to expel the UN official coincides with France’s withdrawal of its 1,400-strong military contingent from Niger, following an order from the coup leaders.
Additionally, France’s ambassador to Niger was instructed to leave the country after the coup that led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was an ally of Paris.
AFP