The Benin government on Wednesday ordered the European Union’s ambassador to leave the country citing interference in domestic political affairs, reported Africa News.
The statement released from the president’s office described EU Ambassador Oliver Nette as harmful. However, the statement reiterated that the West African country had nothing against the EU. The German-born diplomat has until December 1 to leave the country.
“He has interfered too much in domestic affairs,” a senior Beninese diplomat told AFP news agency on condition of anonymity. “He constantly calls on civil society to protest against the government.”
A government spokesman, Alain Orounla, told a media briefing that the bilateral cooperation has been disturbed by the activities of this diplomat who has got involved in activities that the government may consider subversive.
“An ambassador’s functions presuppose an obligation of courtesy towards the authorities of the host country,” Orounla said. “Respect for this obligation should be mutual.”
An EU spokeswoman also confirmed the news that Nette had been asked to leave Benin. She said that Benin authorities informed the European bloc of the decision a week ago.
“For the EU, nothing can justify such a measure in the generally good relations that have existed up until now between the EU and Benin,” she said.
The spokeswoman said that the EU has demanded some urgent clarification from its partners in Benin on the specific reasons behind the decision, but it has not received any information as of yet.
Benin has been in the middle of a political crisis since controversial parliamentary elections in April sparked mass protests. Protesters came out to the streets against the government calling for President Patrice Talon to step down. Talon, a former entrepreneur who came to power in 2016, is accused of carrying out a concerted crackdown on his opponents that has driven key rivals into exile.
