Breaking : The junta in Niger has given the UN official coordinator in Niger 72 hours to leave.

In a statement released today, Niger’s post-coup military rulers demanded that the UN coordinator in Niger leave Niger within 72 hours.

In a statement released yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said that the government had ordered the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, Louise Aubin, “to take all necessary measures to leave Niamey within 72 hours,” as reported by AFP.

It cited “obstacles” that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had presented “with a view to thwarting the full and complete participation of Niger” at the UN General Assembly last month.

The military government has already spoken out against the UN chief’s “perfidious actions,” saying they are “likely to undermine any effort to end the crisis in our country.”

The former ambassador and current foreign minister of Niger, Bakary Yaou Sangare, was chosen to represent the country at the meeting.

A diplomatic source, however, claims that Niamey’s deposed government also applied to be its official representative.

No representative from Niger was added to the list of speakers because of the competing credentials.

The decision to expel the UN official coincides with the withdrawal of France’s 1,400-strong contingent from Niger at the direction of the coup leaders.

After the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally, the French ambassador in Niger was also dismissed.