Niger's military rulers have ordered the United Nations coordinator, Louise Aubin, to leave the country within 72 hours, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. They accuse the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, of obstructing Niger's full participation in last month's UN General Assembly, which they believe undermined their efforts to end the crisis in the country. Bakary Yaou Sangare, who was appointed as Niger's representative by the new leaders, faced competition from the overthrown government. Consequently, no representative from Niger was added to the speakers' list at the assembly.
This decision to expel the UN official follows France's withdrawal of its 1,400-strong contingent from Niger, as ordered by the coup leaders, and the expulsion of France's ambassador to Niger after the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally. The developments reflect tensions between the military regime and international organizations and countries following the coup in Niger.
