**Breaking! Niger Leaders Order Top UN Official to Evacuate in 72 Hours**

In a stunning escalation of tensions, Niger’s military leaders have ordered the top United Nations official in the country, Louise Auin, to vacate within 72 hours. This unprecedented demand comes in the wake of Niger’s exclusion from the UN’s annual gathering of world leaders in New York, a decision the military government claims is orchestrated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appease France, Niger’s former colonizer.

The military coup that ousted President Bazoum in July has led to the dissolution of all previous governmental institutions, with General Abdourahamane Tiani now at the helm. Niger’s leaders are accusing the UN of obstructing their rightful participation in international dialogue, a move they describe as unacceptable and politically motivated.

Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yao, a former UN Ambassador, was denied the opportunity to represent the nation at the crucial UN meeting, further inflaming the situation. The military junta has previously expelled foreign diplomats, including the French Ambassador, signaling their determination to assert sovereignty and resist foreign influence.

As international relations strain, the U.S. has also suspended significant aid to Niger, halting approximately $200 million in assistance since August. With an estimated 1,500 French troops and 1,000 American soldiers in Niger, the geopolitical stakes are high, raising questions about the country’s ability to navigate potential conflicts without external support.

The unfolding drama reflects a broader trend of African nations asserting their autonomy against perceived neocolonial pressures. As Niger stands firm against what it deems injustices, the world watches closely—will the military government succeed in its defiance, or is this a precarious gamble that could lead to further isolation? The clock is ticking, and the implications of this bold move could reverberate far beyond Niger’s borders.