Niger Recalls Its Ambassador To Qatar In Support Of Saudi Arabia

Accused of supporting terrorism, Qatar was banned by Saudi Arabia and its allies on 5 June 2017. 

Niger announced on Saturday (June 10th) that it had recalled its ambassador to Doha, Qatar. A joint decision with Saudi Arabia and its Arab but also African allies who broke off their diplomatic relations with the emirate of gas. They accuse Qatar of supporting some radical Islamist groups, as well as Iran.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Ibrahim Yacoub announced the following on his Twitter account: "  Following the recent diplomatic developments in the Gulf region, Niger decides to recall in consultation its ambassador to Qatar, "He wrote.

Still, in the same announcement, the Government of Niger expresses its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt. Niger is also calling on the countries concerned to continue the dialogue with a view to an early settlement of the crisis.




With this declaration, Niger has just taken a position on the burning issue of the Gulf countries, clearly approaching Saudi Arabia. The visit of the Saudi ambassador to Niger, at the presidential palace on June 8, is certainly for something. According to a source from Nigerian Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador recalled in Niamey will remain the time that the consultation will last.

"Niger does not break diplomatic relations with Qatar, but it acts as if in view of the interests at stake," said a former Nigerian diplomat.

Remember that relations between Qatar and Niger were the best. The NGO Qatar Charity is very active in Niger through humanitarian donations and the construction of mosques.

It should also be noted that last February, President Issoufou Mahamadou, head of a large delegation, traveled to Doha. A month later, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani, paid a private visit to Niger, something "  very rare  ", it is said in Africa.