Niger: The EU's acting chargé d'affaires summoned to the Prime Minister's office

Yesterday, Monday, November 9, the acting Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union (EU) delegation to Niger, Olai Voiomma, was summoned to the office of Prime Minister Mahamane Lamine Zeine. This was indicated in a statement from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This summons "follows the condescending and unacceptable statements of the spokesperson for the European Union demanding explanations on the legal basis of the economic and security agreements concluded between Niger and Algeria," the same note indicates.

"Any security measure should be transparent, proportionate, and conducive to regional de-escalation."

Indeed, the EU spokesperson stated at a press briefing that Brussels was seeking "further clarification on the scope and purpose as well as the (legal) basis for the deployment of Algerian soldiers to Niger."

At the same time, he reaffirmed the support of the 27 for efforts that "contribute to peace, stability and security in the Sahel, but in full respect of international law, the sovereignty of States and the protection of civilians".

"Any security measure should be transparent, proportionate and conducive to regional de-escalation and long-term stability," the European official added.

His statements did not please Niamey at all, which expressed its "indignation at this attitude of the European Union of interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign states (which) have decided in full freedom and responsibility to conclude cooperation agreements."

Niger "receives no orders from any country or institution"

For the Nigerien government, nothing gives the EU the "right to dare to demand explanations on the results of cooperation between two sovereign states sharing the same border and the ambition to work for the consolidation of peace, security, stability and progress in their sub-region".

He "reaffirms in the strongest possible terms that he does not receive orders from any country or institution and that, not being a member of the European Union, he does not need permission from Brussels to exercise his sovereignty."

This “unfortunate and irresponsible statement by the EU spokesperson reveals the lack of sincerity that characterizes the institution’s discourse on its supposed consideration of Sahelian realities in its African policy,” the Nigerien government also believes, ultimately demanding “clarifications on the repeated and offensive interference of the European Union.”