Abuja (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU recalled its ambassador from Niger after disputes over humanitarian aid distribution and funding.
The European Union said that it had recalled its representatives from Niger because the ruling junta had challenged the way the bloc delivered support to the West African country.
“The EU has therefore decided to recall its ambassador to Niamey for consultations in Brussels,”
an EU spokesperson expressed.
What led to the dispute over humanitarian aid distribution?
Niger had blamed the EU ambassador for distributing 1.3 million euros in humanitarian aid to non-governmental institutions in the country without first informing the authorities. It has requested an audit of the way the funds were organised. Since taking power in a coup in July 2023, the Sahel nation’s military rulers have turned their backs on ex-colonial ruler France and have expanded increasingly frosty towards the European Union.
What are the key aspects of the EU-Nigeria partnership?
On the other hand, the EU-Nigeria collaboration is rooted in shared values and interests. The EU acknowledges Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populated nation and largest economy. The EU stated that their cooperation aims to improve growth and stability to achieve social equity in Nigeria and the continent.
Key features in the EU-Nigeria partnership are regular political discussions and strengthened collaboration to fight violent extremism; improve peace and security, migration, good governance, democracy, human rights, trade, and regional integration; and address critical development issues, including energy, water and sanitation, health, food security, resilience, environmental sustainability, and climate change, and as well, enhance regional cooperation.
