The European Union (EU) on November 23rd announced the recall of its Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, Salvador Pinto da França, following accusations by the Nigerien transitional authorities over França's 'unauthorized' distribution of 1.36 million euros of humanitarian aid to NGOs.

A series of flash floods in the country in July left a wake of destruction, claiming over 300 lives, prompting the EU to donate the 1.36 million euros in question to victims of the floods.

Niger's military authorities claim França distributed the aid to NGOs without 'prior consultation of the Nigerien authorities.'

"The EU Ambassador to Niger unilaterally [redistributed this aid to NGOs] in defiance of the principles of transparency and good collaboration with the relevant Nigerien authorities," a statement from Niger's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed.

As a result, Niger's officials have called for an audit of the management of the funds.

What You Need to Know

In response, the European External Action Service (EEAS) noted its "profound disagreement" with the accusations levelled against the ambassador, claiming, "aid is distributed in a neutral, impartial and independent manner" and cannot be "instrumentalized for political ends."

According to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the floods "Killed more than 300, destroyed more than 95 thousand homes and wiped out more than thousands of hectares of crops and livestock."

Continuing, "The country's precarious socio-economic conditions exacerbate the vulnerability of its population too, particularly those living in refugee camps, peripheral neighbourhoods, flood-prone areas and densely populated urban zones."

Since June, more than 1.1 million Nigeriens have been displaced as a result of the floods, with the Nigerien authorities claiming they had never requested aid from the EU and would "cover the damage caused by the floods from its own funds."

So, What Now?

Indicative of a fast deteriorating relationship, this latest spat between the EU and Niger, illustrates the Sahelian nation's desire to severe its ties with Europe, save for Russia.