The UN General Assembly is a major event that brings together world leaders each year to discuss international issues. However, during the recent edition, controversy arose with the participation of Niger.
The military regime that seized power in Niger following a coup in July has been excluded from the General Assembly speakers’ schedule. The coup government’s new foreign minister, Yaou Sangaré Bakary, was able to enter the United Nations compound on the first day of the event, but was subsequently barred from entering.
This UN decision was justified by the fact that the Organization only recognizes the legitimacy of a government resulting from a coup d’état on the advice of the Security Council. However, in the case of Niger, the Security Council declared that Bazoum’s government was the only legitimate one. Consequently, the UN suspended Ambassador Bakary’s accreditations.
Niger’s military junta reacted strongly to this exclusion by denouncing “treacherous actions” on the part of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. According to them, he would act with the complicity of certain member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), notably France, Gabon and Ghana.
This controversy raises questions about the UN’s position vis-à-vis coup governments. On the one hand, it is important to respect democratic principles by condemning illegitimate power grabs, but on the other hand, it is necessary to find political solutions to restore stability and peace in the countries concerned.
The situation in Niger also highlights the difficulties and tensions that can exist between the UN and Member States. It is essential that the UN maintains its impartiality in international affairs and makes decisions based on respect for established principles and rules.
Ultimately, Niger’s suspension from the UN General Assembly raises important questions about global governance and how international institutions manage crisis situations. It is essential to find peaceful and political solutions to guarantee the stability and sustainable development of countries experiencing political tensions.