12 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The European Union has branded this Wednesday as “regrettable” and “hostile” the expulsion of the German ambassador in Chad, Jan Christian Gordon Kricke, after he was declared ‘persona non grata’ for alleged internal political interference.
“The decision of the Chadian transitional authorities to expel the German ambassador is regrettable. This is a particularly hostile gesture in view of the longstanding partnership and engagement of the EU and its Member States in Chad, including in the context of the ongoing transition,” said the EU’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Nabila Massrali, in a statement.
On the other hand, he has reiterated “the importance” of quickly returning to the “constitutional order”, as well as “a transition in a limited time that guarantees respect for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms” in Chad.
“An inclusive process supported by all civil and political actors is essential to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of the ongoing process and therefore the success of the transition. The EU will continue to insist on these points which are important conditions for its partnership with Chad,” he added.
In a letter to the German government, the Chadian Foreign Minister, Mahamat Salé Annadif, justified the decision due to the “regrettable actions of Mr. Kricke”, which according to the transitional authorities, “are incompatible with the diplomatic practice recognized by the Convention of Vienna”.
Although the statement did not detail what these “regrettable” actions by the ambassador were, sources quoted by the Tchad Infos news portal indicated that it was a case of internal political interference in the country.
In response, the German government ordered Chadian ambassador Mariam Ali Moussa to leave the country on Monday, in retaliation for the “unfounded expulsion” previously ordered against her ambassador. “We are very sorry that this situation has come to be,” said a spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry, according to DPA.
