Niger’s post-coup military rulers have demanded in a
statement seen by AFP on Wednesday that the United Nations coordinator in the
West African country leave Niger within 72 hours.
The foreign ministry said in the statement dated Tuesday
that the government had ordered Louise Aubin, the UN’s resident and
humanitarian coordinator, “to take all necessary measures to leave Niamey within
72 hours”.
It 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 military 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.
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But, according to a diplomatic source, there was also an
application by the overthrown government to represent Niamey.
Because of the 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
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