Brussels, 22 January 2013/ ACP: A memorial event in honour of the late Ambassador of Niger to Belgium and the European Union, H.E Mr Issaka Djibo was held today in Brussels after his untimely death last Friday 18 January.

Ambassador Djibo (61) and his wife Fatouma (50) passed away in their home in Uccle due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty heater. The bodies will be repatriated to Niger after the ceremony.

An economist and planner by profession, Ambassador Djibo took up his post in Brussels a year ago after more than thirty years experience in development management and international cooperation. Past duties included heading the National School of Administration (ENA) in Niger as Director-General, as well as acting as a technical advisor to the Ministry of Economic Planning and Finance, with responsibility for monitoring the Economic Reform Programme and others involving Niger's main donors. He also worked as a specialist consultant for various research agencies before being appointed Assistant to the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Niger.

Ambassador Djibo graduated from the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), in Dakar. He was presented to the ACP Committee of Ambassadors on 7 February 2012.

A condolence book will be open at the Embassy of Niger in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday (23-24 January) from 10am to 4pm.

-ACP Press