The European Union has recalled its ambassador to Niger for consultations amid disagreements with the West African country over humanitarian aid, the EU announced on Saturday.
On Friday, Niger's military junta – which came to power after a coup last summer – criticised the distribution of some €1.3 million in European aid to aid organisations in the country without first informing the authorities.
"The EU ambassador to Niger unilaterally allocated the grant to NGOs (...) in defiance of the principles of transparency and good cooperation with the competent Nigerien authorities," the junta said. They have now ordered an "audit" into the management of the funds.
The EU on Saturday denounced Niger's "questioning" of its management of humanitarian aid, calling back its ambassador from Niamey for consultations. A spokesman did stress that the EU will "continue to support" the Nigerien people.
"Humanitarian aid is essential, is granted in a neutral, impartial and independent manner, and is implemented by United Nations agencies and international organisations and NGOs," the spokesperson said. "Nothing can justify the use of humanitarian aid for political purposes."
