The military regime of Niger stated on Sunday, November 24, that it had requested the replacement of the European Union (EU) ambassador before his withdrawal announced on Saturday by the EU to “consultations” In Brussels, the Niger government criticizes aid to victims of recent floods.
The Nigerien authorities accused the EU on Friday of having redistributed “unilaterally” to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian aid worth €1.3 million from the EU in Niger, without having been previously informed. They declared that they were carrying out an audit and asked the EU to do the same.
“Contrary to diplomatic practices”
The following day, the EU expressed its “deep disagreement” after questioning aid management methods and announced the withdrawal of its ambassador in Niger, Salvador Pinto da França, to “consultations” in Brussels. she also said “We want to continue supporting the population”.
On Sunday, Niger’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had summoned Mr. Da França on October 14 to “end operations” delivery of aid, before ” warning “ his persecution. The government says it later concluded that “collaboration” with Salvador Pinto da França was “it is no longer possible” and asked “officially withdrawn and replaced as soon as possible”.
Niger “I have never launched an appeal for international humanitarian aid after the floods”specifies the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The announcement of this unsolicited aid appeared on social media two weeks before the Nigerien authorities were officially informed, which is contrary to diplomatic practices.”continue.
The Nigerien military regime, which came to power in July 2023 after overthrowing civilian president Mohamed Bazoum – who has since been kidnapped – maintains hostile relations with Europeans, particularly with France, of which it was a colony. In Niger, nearly 1.5 million people were affected by recent floods that officially left 339 dead, an exceptional figure.
