After three months in limbo, a specialized UN Commission made a decision. The ambassador of the transitional government of Niger will now be able to represent Niamey in New York. Last September, the UN banned him from accessing the General Assembly, observing the directives transmitted by the Security Council which continued to recognize the government of Mohamed Bazoum as the only legitimate one.
Published on: 12/21/2023 – 07:53
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with our correspondent in New York, Carrie Nooten
It is a negotiation which scores a point for the government of General Tiani, and whose behind the scenes reflects how the transitional government of Niger is establishing itself in West Africa.
The Credentials Commission, which meets once a year in New York to rule on possible disputes over the recognition of legitimacy of ambassadors to the United Nations, decided on December 6 to recognize the Nigerien ambassador of the transitional government.
He had in fact been appointed by Mohamed Bazoum, then disavowed by him when he joined the putschists, creating uncertainty over his legitimacy at the United Nations. Russia, China and UNITED STATES, three of the nine members of the Commission, initially thought of not ruling on the Niger issue and leaving an empty chair for Niger at the UN. But Togo and Nigeria, two other members who seem to have changed their tune in a few weeks towards General Tiani. They pushed the three powers to officially recognize its representative.
The recent rapprochement between Niamey and Moscow following the visit to Niger by Russian Deputy Defense Minister on December 4 was able to convince Russia to give this boost to the UN. Decisions being made by consensus and the United States not having received any specific directive to object, the verdict was ratified.
Also read: Nigerien regime orders expulsion of UN coordinator
2023-12-21 06:53:34
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