The European Union on Wednesday described as »regrettable» and »hostile» the expulsion of the German ambassador to Chad, Jan Christian Gordon Kricke, after he was declared »persona non grata» for alleged internal political interference.
»The decision by Chad’s 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,» EU foreign affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said in a statement.
On the other hand, he reiterated »the importance» of a rapid return to »constitutional order», as well as »a time-limited transition that guarantees the respect of 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 thus the success of the transition. The EU will continue to insist on these points which are important conditions of its partnership with Chad,» he added.
In a letter to the German government, Chadian Foreign Minister Mahamat Salé Annadif justified the decision because of Mr. Kricke’s »regrettable actions», which, according to the transitional authorities, »are incompatible with the diplomatic practice recognized by the Vienna Convention».
Although the communiqué did not detail what these »regrettable» actions of the ambassador were, sources quoted by the news portal Tchad Infos indicated that it was a case of internal political interference of the country.
In response, the German government on Monday ordered the departure from the country of Chad’s ambassador, Mariam Ali Moussa, in retaliation to the »unfounded expulsion» previously ordered against its ambassador. »We very much regret that it has come to this situation,» a German Foreign Ministry spokesman said, DPA reported.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
