Niger junta expels UN representative, give 72 hours ultimatum

The ruling military authority in Niger says it has expelled the UN official in the country and gave the representative 72 hours to leave. The junta said it took the decision after its representatives were prevented from attending the last UN General Assembly and other subsequent events…

Niger’s military regime has ordered the immediate dismissal of the United Nations representative from the country within 72 hours.

This follows the allegations that the West African country was barred from attending the annual United Nations summit of world leaders in New York last month.
A government statement dated Oct. 10 accused the UN of using what it described as “underhanded maneuvers” motivated by France to stop its involvement in the recent UN General Assembly meeting and in subsequent meetings of UN agencies that took place in Vienna and the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh.

As a result, the government has ordered Louise Aubin, the UN official in Niger, to leave within 72 hours, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The junta is following the footsteps of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which became hostile to the United Nations and erstwhile colonial ruler France since their soldiers seized power.

While reacting, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the decision is greatly regretted according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who reiterated “the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to stay and deliver for the people of Niger.”

Dujarric added that “The decision … hampers the ability of the Organization to effectively carry out its mandates and disrupts the essential work we do for the people of Niger, where 4.3 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, mostly women and children.”

Recall that Niger’s armed officers deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in July, suspending the constitution, dismissing all previous institutions, and installing General Abdourahamane Tiani as the West African country’s new ruler.

The move was largely condemned by the African Union, ECOWAS, UN and other members of the international community.