PEACEPRO CALLS FOR UN INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED EU MISMANAGEMENT OF AID IN NIGER REPUBLIC AS NIGER JUNTA EXPELS EU AMBASSADOR
By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The Foundation for Peace Professionals PeacePro, a global peacebuilding think tank, has urged the United Nations (UN) to investigate allegations against the European Union (EU) over the mismanagement of humanitarian aid in Niger Republic.
This call follows the Nigerien junta’s recent decision to expel the EU ambassador and demand an audit of €1.3 million ($1.35 million) in humanitarian aid reportedly disbursed to non governmental organizations without prior consultation with Niger’s authorities.
The junta accused the EU of breaching protocol in the management of humanitarian aid, prompting the expulsion of the EU ambassador.
In response, the EU announced it had recalled its envoy to Brussels for consultations.
According to an EU statement, the ambassador faced obstacles to freedom of movement on September 5, 2023, when attempting to visit the French Embassy in Niamey an incident the EU described as regrettable.
In a statement issued on Monday, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, expressed deep concern over the alleged mismanagement of funds intended to provide relief to vulnerable populations in Niger.
It is unacceptable for humanitarian aid, meant to alleviate suffering, to become a source of controversy and mistrust.
We call on the United Nations to investigate these allegations thoroughly and ensure that justice is served, Hamzat stated.
PeacePro emphasized the need for transparency in international aid allocation, particularly in politically fragile regions like Niger.
The organization also underscored the importance of respecting local sovereignty and ensuring that host governments are involved in aid distribution to prevent similar disputes.
Niger Republic, under military rule since the July 2023 coup, has experienced heightened tensions with international partners, particularly the EU and France.
The junta’s expulsion of the EU ambassador is seen as part of a broader push to assert its sovereignty amidst accusations of foreiif interference.
Humanitarian operations in the country have frequently been mired in challenges, including accusations of poor coordination and lack of accountability.
PeacePro outlined a series of steps to address the controversy and improve international aid efforts in Niger:
1. Comprehensive Audit: Conduct a thorough review of the €1.3 million disbursed by the EU to ensure appropriate utilization of the funds.
2. Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: Establish transparent frameworks for monitoring and reporting on aid distribution.
3. Enhancing Collaboration: Foster cooperation between international organizations and host governments to promote trust and efficiency in humanitarian efforts.
4. Avoiding Political Interference: Ensure that humanitarian support focuses on alleviating suffering without meddling in domestic politics.
Establishing strong oversight mechanisms is critical for restoring trust in international aid systems.
Humanitarian support must prioritize the wellbeing of those in need without political bias, Hamzat added.
This incident highlights the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in regions affected by political instability.
PeacePro’s call for accountability resonates as an important step toward improving transparency in global humanitarian operations and fostering trust between international agencies and host nations.
PeacePro reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and accountability in humanitarian and development initiatives worldwide.
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