The Nigerien power resulting from the coup d’état recently asked the UN coordinator in Niger, Louise Aubin, to leave the country within 72 hours. The move follows accusations that Niger was excluded from the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
The expulsion was sharply criticized by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who stressed that it would hamper the UN’s ability to fulfill its mandate in Niger, where millions of people are in need of humanitarian assistance. . He also stressed that this measure went against international rules applicable to United Nations representatives.
This decision by the Nigerien military regime comes after the United States announced that it would cut around $500 million in economic aid to Niger. At the same time, France has also begun the withdrawal of its soldiers from the country, at the request of the military in power since the coup in July.
Louise Aubin, who was in post as UN coordinator in Niger since January 2021, was allegedly the victim of obstruction by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which allegedly prevented Niger’s full participation in the UN General Assembly in New York. The new Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, sent by the generals in power, was unable to speak at this event.
The withdrawal of French troops from Niger is also an important element of this news. France has decided to withdraw its 1,400 French soldiers and airmen from the country, who were engaged in the fight against jihadists alongside Nigerien forces. This decision follows a request from the ruling military regime.
The situation in Niger raises concerns about the future of stability and security in the region, as armed groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda continue to operate. The United States, which maintains about 1,100 troops in Niger and a major drone base in Agadez, has called the military takeover a “coup” and suspended significant economic aid, while keeping its troops on site for the moment.
In conclusion, the situation in Niger remains tense, with the expulsion of the UN coordinator, the withdrawal of French troops and the suspension of American economic aid. It is essential to closely monitor the evolution of this situation and its consequences on the security and stability of the country and the region.