Niger protests against EU interference regarding security cooperation with Algeria

Niamey has summoned the EU's acting chargé d'affaires, Plai Voiomma, to express formal protest over comments made by EU spokesperson Anouar Al Anouni regarding the deployment of the Algerian army in Niger. Al Anouni had publicly requested details on the nature and goals of this military presence on October 30. The Nigerien government condemned these remarks as condescending and unacceptable, labeling them an intrusion into the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. Niger stated that it does not accept directives from foreign entities and has demanded formal clarifications from the EU. Meanwhile, representatives from civil society in Arlit criticized the European Commission's focus on this military cooperation, contrasting it with their lack of action regarding the environmental and economic impact of French uranium mining in the region.