United Nations’ Coordinator in Niger has been handed a 72-hour ultimatum by the post-coup military leaders to vacate the country.
A statement seen by AFP stated that the foreign ministry in that country ordered Louise Aubin, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator, “to take all necessary measures to leave Niamey within 72 hours”.
The statement pointed to “obstacles” which it said were presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “with a view to thwarting the full and complete participation of Niger” at last month’s UN General Assembly.
The regime has already criticised “the perfidious actions” of the UN chief, saying that they were “likely to undermine any effort to end the crisis in our country”.
Bakary Yaou Sangare, who before the coup was Niger’s ambassador to the UN and is now its foreign minister, was the new leaders’ chosen representative for the gathering.
A diplomatic source however revealed to AFP of an application by the overthrown government to represent Niamey.
Due to competing credentials, the matter was deferred and no representative from Niger was added to the speakers’ list.
The decision to expel the UN official comes as France is withdrawing its 1,400-strong contingent in Niger after being ordered out by the coup leaders.
France’s ambassador to Niger was also given his marching orders after the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of Paris.
AFP
