Niamey deems EU remarks on Algerian troops “unacceptable”
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Alwihda Info
Niger’s government received the EU chargé d’affaires in Niamey on Monday 9 November, after remarks by an EU spokesperson deemed “condescending and unacceptable” regarding the deployment of Algerian troops to Niger. According to Niamey, Niger does not need Brussels' permission to exercise its sovereignty and demands clarification on the EU’s repeated interference.
Niger summoned the EU chargé d’affaires in Niamey on Monday 9 November to demand official explanations. Niger’s Prime Minister received him after remarks by an EU spokesperson, who had sought clarification on the deployment of Algerian military units to Niger, a decision officialised by Algiers on 26 October, according to the Nigerien government as relayed by Alwihda Info.
Niamey considers these remarks “condescending and unacceptable”. The government states: “Not being a member of the European Union, Niger does not need Brussels' permission to exercise its sovereignty.” It also demands clarification of what it describes as repeated EU interference.
The Nigerien executive invokes the principle of non-interference between sovereign states: “Niger receives no orders from any country or institution.” On 8 November, Algiers denied any EU request concerning its troops in Niger (Algerian denial).
