The EU ambassador recalled from Niamey for consultations in Brussels reflects growing tensions between Europe and Niger’s transitional authorities over EU humanitarian aid for flood victims in the West African country. The recent differences reflect a deterioration in relations between Europe and the Sahel’s military juntas.
Niger’s transitional government has criticised the EU for allocating €1.3 million in humanitarian aid without prior consultation. An official statement accused the EU ambassador of redistributing the funds to NGOs unilaterally, apparently ignoring transparency principles and bypassing collaboration with the Nigerien authorities. A request for an audit of the management of the funds has been made.
In response, an EU spokesperson expressed “profound disagreement” with Niger’s accusations, deeming them a direct challenge to the management of its humanitarian support. The EU has therefore decided to recall its ambassador.
In a statement, the EU underlined its continued commitment to the Nigerien population in the face of the current crisis. Humanitarian aid is vital, provided in a neutral, impartial and independent manner, and implemented through UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs. There is no justification for politicising humanitarian aid for political purposes.
This complex situation highlights the challenges faced by countries in transition and international organisations in the management of humanitarian aid. It is crucial that the actors involved collaborate in a transparent and consensual manner to ensure effective and equitable assistance to populations in need, avoiding any abusive instrumentalisation for political purposes.