2024-11-23 15:08:00
New point of tension between the Nigerien military regime and Brussels. The European Union announced on Saturday, November 23, that it had recalled its ambassador to Niger for consultations.
Brussels expresses its “deep disagreement” after what it denounces as a “questioning” of the management methods of the humanitarian aid it provided to the victims of the serious floods which hit the country, said a spokesperson of the European diplomatic service.
The transitional authorities of Niger denounced in a press release on Friday the granting by the EU of humanitarian aid of 1.3 million euros, without them having been informed beforehand.
Niger requests an audit on the management of funds
“The EU ambassador to Niger has, unilaterally”, redistributed this aid to NGOs, “in disregard of the principles of transparency and good collaboration with the competent Nigerien authorities”, we can read in this press release, which adds that an “audit” on the management of the funds in question has been requested.
The EU, for its part, indicated that it “wants to continue to support the population”, according to its spokesperson. “Humanitarian aid is essential, it is provided in a neutral, impartial and independent manner, and is implemented by United Nations agencies and international organizations and NGOs. Nothing should justify the instrumentalization of humanitarian aid to political purposes.”
Also readNiger withdraws the authorization to operate from the French NGO Acted
The military regime in Niger maintains difficult relations with Europeans, in particular with France, its former colonial power.
Diplomatic relations between Paris and Niamey have been virtually broken since the generals came to power in a coup in July 2023 which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.
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#dispute #European #humanitarian #aid #recalls #ambassador #Niger
How might the EU’s decision to recall its ambassador impact future humanitarian aid efforts in Niger?
**Interview with Dr. Sophie Lambert, Expert on International Relations and African Politics**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Lambert. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent diplomatic tensions between the EU and the military regime in Niger. On November 23, the EU announced it was recalling its ambassador to Niger. Can you explain the context behind this decision?
**Dr. Lambert:** Thank you for having me. This recall follows a series of escalating tensions between the EU and Niger’s military junta, which has been in power since a coup in 2023. Essentially, the Nigerien junta accused the EU of mismanaging aid intended for the country, which Brussels firmly denies. In response, the EU’s decision to recall its ambassador signifies a serious diplomatic rift and a gesture of disapproval regarding the junta’s actions[[1](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-11-23/eu-recalls-envoy-from-niger-after-junta-accuses-it-of-mismanaging-aid)].
**Interviewer:** How significant is this recall of the ambassador in terms of EU-Niger relations going forward?
**Dr. Lambert:** It’s quite significant. The recall not only indicates deep dissatisfaction but also reflects the EU’s broader concern about governance and respect for democratic processes in Niger. The junta’s allegations suggest a breakdown of trust, which complicates any future collaboration, especially in areas like security and humanitarian aid. The EU’s involvement in West Africa has been closely tied to stabilizing the region, and this incident may hinder those efforts[[1](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-11-23/eu-recalls-envoy-from-niger-after-junta-accuses-it-of-mismanaging-aid)].
**Interviewer:** What implications does this situation have for the people of Niger, especially regarding aid?
**Dr. Lambert:** For the citizens of Niger, this could mean a disruption in much-needed aid and support. If diplomatic relations worsen, it could adversely affect humanitarian programs that provide essential services to vulnerable populations. Moreover, the longer the military regime persists in conflict with the EU, the more isolated Niger could become on the international stage, which would further complicate efforts to address ongoing issues like poverty and security threats[[1](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-11-23/eu-recalls-envoy-from-niger-after-junta-accuses-it-of-mismanaging-aid)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lambert, for your insights. This is undoubtedly a developing story, and we will keep an eye on how it unfolds.
**Dr. Lambert:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to monitor these developments closely, as they will undoubtedly influence not only Niger but the entire West African region.