In response to the military coup in Niger, the European Union and France have halted financial support to the country. The United States has also threatened to stop the aid. The coup led to the removal of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. Niger’s foreign allies have refused to recognize the new military government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
Niger, being one of the world’s poorest countries, receives approximately $2 billion annually in official development assistance. It serves as a security partner for France and the United States in their efforts to combat insurgency in the broader Sahel region of West and Central Africa.
Despite Bazoum being confined within the presidential palace since early Thursday, the European Union, France, and other nations still consider him the legitimate president.
In response to the coup, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced an immediate cessation of budget support. He also announced an indefinite suspension of cooperation actions in the security domain. France, on the other hand, suspended all development aid and budget support. The country urged a prompt return to constitutional order with Bazoum reinstated as the president.
The United States, with two military bases and around 1,100 soldiers in Niger, expressed concern over the situation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the significant assistance provided by the US to Niger is now at risk.
Uncertainty in the country after the Coup
The recent military coup in Niger has raised concerns among business owners in the capital, Niamey, about the potential damage to trade and the abrupt drying up of financial flows from abroad.
Economist Abdoulaye Soly, also based in Niamey, warned that externally-funded projects will likely come to a halt. Development initiatives financed by organizations like the EU, World Bank, and IMF will be suspended. He also warned that budgetary aid to Niger will be stopped.
Niger is an essential partner for the European Union in managing the flow of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. The EU has allocated substantial funds to support governance, education, and sustainable growth in Niger. Additionally, it has provided financial support to Niger’s armed forces through its European Peace Facility. Despite the coup, humanitarian aid deliveries from the United Nations remain unaffected.
The situation in Niger is drawing regional and international attention. ECOWAS and the West African Monetary Union will hold emergency summits in Nigeria to discuss the situation, and further economic and financial sanctions could be considered.
Following an emergency meeting, the African Union demanded that the military return to their barracks and restore constitutional order within 15 days. However, it did not specify what actions would be taken if this deadline is not met.
