
In a statement on Monday, the European Union (EU) strongly condemned Niger for its refusal to permit the entry of Katja Dominik, the chief of the EUCAP Sahel Mali mission, a civilian crisis management initiative.
The European Commission spokeswoman expressed the EU’s concern over the “point-blank refusal to grant access to Nigerien territory” to Dominik last week. Brussels has formally requested explanations from the transition authorities in Niamey regarding this matter.
Niger, currently under military rule following a coup in July, made the decision in December to expel the EU’s two security and defense missions, including EUCAP Sahel Mali, operational in the country since 2012.
However, the EU claims that the existing withdrawal plan until June 3, 2024, allows EUCAP personnel access during this period, as per the agreement facilitating entries and exits.
The EU additionally noted that Niger’s authorities confiscated the passports of several mission members who arrived in Niamey on January 24.
This move is perceived as a further challenge to the EU’s involvement in the region.
Since taking power and overthrowing elected president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military leaders have been severing ties with Western partners, recently expelling French forces and seeking closer ties with Russia.