The post-coup military rulers of Niger have requested that the UN coordinator in the West African country leave within 72 hours.
The Nigerien foreign ministry claimed in a statement released on Wednesday, October 11, 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 cited “obstacles” presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during last month’s UN General Assembly “in order to thwart Niger’s full and complete participation.”
The military dictatorship has already criticized the UN chief’s “perfidious actions,” saying they are “likely to undermine any effort to end the crisis in our country.”
Bakary Yaou Sangare, who was Niger’s ambassador to the UN before the coup and is now its foreign minister, was the junta’s choice for the gathering.
However, the UN Secretary-General claims that the deposed administration also applied to represent Niamey.
Due to competing credentials, the subject was postponed, and no person from Niger was added to the roster of speakers.
The decision to eject the UN representative coincides with France’s withdrawal of its 1,400-strong mission in Niger, which was ordered out by coup leaders following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.
