The UN is being blamed by the military commanders of Niger for impeding international recognition of the post-coup government, and they have ordered the UN coordinator to leave the nation within 72 hours.
The order for the expulsion was issued a day after the United States cut off more than $500 million in aid to Niger and as France starts to evacuate its troops after they were also given the go-ahead to leave.
The Nigerien foreign ministry said in a statement, seen by AFP on Wednesday but dated Tuesday, that the government was expelling Louise Aubin, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator, instructing her “to take all necessary measures to leave Niamey within 72 hours”.
By confirming that Aubin had been given 72 hours to depart, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed his sincere remorse for the directive.
However, Dujarric reaffirmed “the unwavering commitment of the UN to stay and deliver for the people in Niger through continued humanitarian operations” despite the fact that the move will hamper the international organization’s work there.
Canadian Aubin was hired for the position in January 2021.
