Following concerns raised by Niger's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union has recalled its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da França, for consultations in Brussels after Niamey accused him of mismanaging EU humanitarian aid intended for flood victims in the West African country.
In a statement broadcast on national television, RTN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the EU delegation's handling of a €1.3 million grant, citing a lack of transparency and insufficient collaboration with the competent authorities in the distribution of funds to NGOs supporting flood relief efforts.
Underscoring the importance of adhering to established procedures and good governance principles in the disbursement of international aid, the transitional government called for an independent audit to investigate the use of the allocated funds.
In turn, the European External Action Service (EEAS), expressed in a statement on Saturday its "profound disagreement" with the accusations put forward by the Nigerien authorities.