UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres "deeply regrets" the order by Niger's military regime to expel a UN coordinator from the country, his spokesperson said Wednesday.

"We were informed by the authorities in Niger and I can tell you that the secretary-general deeply regrets that the order for the departure of our resident and humanitarian coordinator in Niger, Louise Aubin, was given," said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who also confirmed that Aubin had been given 72 hours to leave.