EU calls Algerian deployment in Niger a bilateral matter
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tamtam Info
The European Union now considers the deployment of units of Algeria’s People’s National Army to Niger a matter falling under bilateral relations. European External Action Service spokesman Anouar El Anouni said Brussels fully respects the sovereignty of both countries and has no intention of interfering.
European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesman Anouar El Anouni said the European Union had “at no point” asked Algeria and Niger for explanations about the deployment of Algerian troops to Niger. He added that Brussels fully respected the sovereignty of both countries, during a European Commission press briefing.
The Algerian decision, according to Anouar El Anouni, falls within the bilateral relationship between Algeria and Niger. On 30 October, the same spokesman had said that the EU wanted clarification on the scope, purpose and legal basis of the deployment.
The clarification comes after Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine summoned the acting chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation, demanding explanations over remarks deemed “condescending and unacceptable”. Niamey summons EU chargé d’affaires over Algeria.
Algeria’s Council of the Nation had also rejected the European remarks and recalled that the deployment of the People’s National Army was part of a bilateral agreement between Algiers and Niamey, according to Algerian authorities. Algerian Senate responds to EU over troops in Niger.
