The United Nations General Assembly is a major event on the international scene, bringing together leaders and diplomats from around the world each year. However, this year, Niger is not among the speakers scheduled for the last day of the Assembly. This omission sparked reactions and accusations from the military regime in power in Niger.
The situation began when the new foreign minister of the coup government was prevented from accessing the United Nations compound. The military regime called this action a “perfidious act” on the part of the UN secretary general. According to them, Antonio Guterres is acting in collusion with France and certain heads of state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
However, the UN defends itself by explaining that it follows strict rules established in the event of a coup. According to these rules, it only recognizes the legitimacy of a government on the advice of the Security Council. In the case of Niger, the Council indicated that Bazoum’s government was the only legitimate one. Consequently, the UN deactivated the Niger ambassador’s badge and did not grant accreditation to the military regime’s Minister of Health.
The ruling junta in Niger also criticizes the role of France and certain ECOWAS countries in this affair. However, the UN simply follows established procedures and acts in accordance with its charter and international law.
This situation raises questions about the role of the UN in the event of a coup and the ability of putschist governments to be represented in the General Assembly. It is important to respect the principles and rules established by the UN in order to guarantee the stability and legitimacy of governments.