Niger Rebukes EU Over Humanitarian Aid, Requests Replacement of Ambassador
The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad has strongly criticized the European Union (EU) for its approach to providing humanitarian aid in response to recent flooding in the country. The ministry issued a communiqué on November 23, 2024, clarifying its position and announcing that it had requested the recall and replacement of the EU Ambassador to Niger, Salvador Pinto Da França.
According to the statement, the Nigerien government did not solicit international humanitarian aid for flood victims, opting instead to address the damages using its own resources. The ministry accused the EU of announcing and implementing aid programs without official communication or approval from Nigerien authorities, violating established diplomatic protocols.
The Nigerien government stated that it did not request assistance from the EU or any other international body to address the flooding.The ministry noted that news of the aid first appeared on social media before the Nigerien government was officially informed, which it described as a breach of diplomatic norms. The EU reportedly selected NGOs to distribute aid in Niger without consulting local authorities, leading to concerns over transparency.
The Nigerien government summoned Ambassador Pinto Da França on October 14, 2024, to demand an end to the unauthorized operations. Despite this, the ministry said the EU continued its activities, prompting Niger to seek the ambassador’s recall.The communiqué emphasized that Niger’s decision was rooted in its commitment to preserving national sovereignty, dignity, and the interests of its citizens.
Diplomatic Fallout
The EU announced on November 23, 2024, that it was recalling its ambassador to Niger for consultations, ostensibly in response to the situation. However, the Nigerien government contended that the recall was its own initiative, underscoring its decision to request the ambassador’s replacement.
The ministry reaffirmed Niger’s readiness to cooperate with international partners committed to peace and justice, provided such engagements respect the country’s sovereignty and strategic choices.
