Niger’s post-coup military rulers have demanded that the United Nations coordinator in the West African country leave Niger within 72 hours.

The foreign ministry in a statement on Tuesday ordered Louise Aubin, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator, “to take all necessary measures to leave Niamey within 72 hours”.

It pointed to “obstacles” which it said were presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “with a view to thwarting the full and complete participation of Niger” at last month’s UN General Assembly.

The military regime has already criticised “the perfidious actions” of the UN chief, saying that they were “likely to undermine any effort to end the crisis in our country”.

The demand comes after the military coup that took place in Niger on October 4, 2023, which saw the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The coup has been widely condemned by the international community, including the United Nations.