Niger calls for replacement of EU ambassador amid aid dispute
A row appears to be breaking out between the EU and one of the Sahel countries which recently broke away from western hegemony in favour for Russia.
The government of Niger has asked the EU to replace its ambassador to the country, after tensions over the disbursements of aid, according to Africa News and agencies on November 25th.
The EU recalled its envoy, Salvador Pinto da Franca, on November 23rd after expressing “profound disagreement” over the accusation from Niger’s military rulers that he distributed €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval.
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Niger’s foreign ministry claimed on November 24th that da Franca continued “unauthorized operations” despite warnings issued in October. It said in a statement that a replacement was needed “as soon as possible” and that collaboration with the ambassador was no longer viable.
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Over 300 people have been killed and more than 1.1 million have been displaced in Niger in flooding since June. The government said it would address the damage using its own resources and not seek EU ad.
The 2023 military coup in Niger have soured in relations with Europe, as the country has distanced itself from the bloc and in particular its former colonial ruler, France.
Africa News, RFI
