NIAMEY, Niger (AFP) - The government of Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, has provoked anger with the purchase of a $40 million (30 million euros) presidential jet.
The country's Defence Minister Karidjo Mahamadou confirmed the deal on Monday, saying it would help improve the "influence of our illustrious republic".
The minister told state television the Boeing 737-700 was received on Sunday afternoon after being paid for with "around 20 billion CFA francs" in government money.
The plane it is replacing -- also a Boeing 737 -- was bought in the 1970s by the country's former president Seyni Kountche.
While it will remain in service, one aviation expert likened it to a "flying coffin," telling AFP that it "no longer meets international standards".
But the country's opposition has been highly critical of the purchase.
"With our country facing a new famine and with further serious flooding this year, the state decides to spend billions on a prestige purchase," said Ousseini Salatou, spokesman for the Nigerien opposition coalition.
In June, the International Monetary Fund temporarily froze aid to neighbouring Mali after the government there bought a $40 million presidential plane.
Financial assistance was ordered to be frozen until at least September while the officials investigated the purchase.
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