Benin ordered EU ambassador Oliver Nette to leave the country on Wednesday, diplomatic sources told AFP news agency.
The Beninese government accused the ambassador of the European Union mission of interfering in domestic political affairs.
It reportedly gave the German-born diplomat until December 1 to leave the country.
“He has interfered too much in domestic affairs,” a senior Beninese diplomat told the agency on condition of anonymity. “He constantly calls on civil society to protest against the government.” Later on, Wednesday, a government spokesman said that the cooperation with the EU had been “disturbed by the activities of this diplomat who has got involved in activities that we may consider subversive.”
Jeune Afrique magazine cited sources in the government as saying that Nette “on several occasions and during various meetings” undermined the “legitimacy” of the current parliament, elected in April under a new, controversial election law. Government rivals were effectively barred from running because their parties did not meet the stricter criteria laid out in the new legislation.
Via DW
