The post-coup military leaders in Niger, as per a statement sighted by Africa Today News, New York, on Wednesday, have requested that the United Nations coordinator in the West African country departs Niger within 72 hours.
The foreign ministry’s statement, dated Tuesday, disclosed that the government had given instructions to Louise Aubin, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator, to complete all necessary steps for her departure from 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.
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The new leaders in Niger have designated Bakary Yaou Sangare, formerly the country’s ambassador to the UN and now its foreign minister, as their chosen representative for the gathering.
However, information from a diplomatic source indicates that the ousted government had submitted an application to represent Niamey in the gathering.
The matter was postponed due to the competing credentials, resulting in no representative from Niger being included on the speakers’ list.
The expulsion of the UN official corresponds with France’s withdrawal of its 1,400-strong contingent from Niger, which was ordered by the coup leaders.
Following the coup that led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was a close ally of Paris, France’s ambassador to Niger was similarly instructed to leave the country.