As major powers boycotted the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, a diplomatic battle has emerged over who is supposed to speak as the head of Niger’s diplomatic representation.
In Niger, the podium at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York is the focus of political news. This is because speaking at this United Nations forum is crucial in legitimizing the regime that emerged from the coup on July 26, 2023.
The junta led by General Adbourahamane Tiani has sent its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yaou Sangaré Bakary. Indeed, before the July coup, Mr. Yaou Sangaré Bakary was Niger’s representative to the United Nations. He still holds a diplomatic passport and accreditation to access the organization’s headquarters.
However, to prevent the junta from using the UN platform to legitimize its regime, ministers from the overthrown government are also trying to find a way to the podium to speak on behalf of Mohamed Bazoum, as reported by RFI. According to several sources, the UN Secretary-General is refusing the request of the junta-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, to go to New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly.
