The Nigerien power resulting from the coup d’état recently decided to expel the UN coordinator in Niger, Louise Aubin, sparking a wave of international reactions. This decision follows accusations that Niger was excluded from the UN General Assembly last September. In this article, we will review the recent events that led to these expulsions and analyze the consequences for the country.
The military regime in power in Niger justified this expulsion decision by claiming that the United Nations would have hindered the international recognition of the country. This expulsion was ordered shortly after the United States announced the elimination of $500 million in economic aid to Niger. In addition, France has also begun to withdraw its soldiers from the country, at the request of the military in power since the coup in July.
The UN coordinator, Louise Aubin, a Canadian national, was appointed to this position in January 2021. The Nigerien government accuses the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, of having sabotaged Niger’s full participation at the organization’s 78th General Assembly which took place in September in New York. The Nigerien representatives had sent their Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, who did not speak at this General Assembly.
At the same time as these events, France began the withdrawal of its French soldiers and airmen present in Niger to fight against jihadist groups alongside Nigerien forces. This decision comes after France’s withdrawal from Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months. Niger had become a key partner in French anti-jihadist operations in the region.
The situation in Niger is therefore worrying, with the withdrawal of foreign military forces and growing tensions between the military regime and international organizations. In addition, the removal of economic aid from the United States risks further weakening the country, which has 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian aid.
It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what the reactions of other international actors will be. It is important to closely monitor these developments, as they will have repercussions on regional stability and the fight against jihadist groups in the “three borders” area between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
In conclusion, the Nigerien power resulting from the coup d’état decided to expel the UN coordinator in Niger, sparking a wave of concern and international reactions. This decision comes in a context of withdrawal of foreign military forces and growing tensions between the military regime and international organizations. It is crucial to closely monitor this situation and support efforts to ensure stability and security in the region.