U.S. Suspends $200 Million Aid To Niger Over Coup

The United States has officially suspended nearly $200 million in aid to Niger Republic, citing section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act as the basis for this decision.

This move comes after various sanctions imposed following the ousting of the country’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, by a military council.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, reassured Nigeriens that humanitarian assistance to save lives would continue unabated.

The United States also reiterated its call for the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those currently detained.

The U.S. government’s statement read in part: “The United States has determined that a military coup d’état has occurred in Niger. By section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger is being suspended.”

The U.S. underscored its commitment to maintaining life-saving humanitarian aid, particularly in food and health, to benefit the people of Niger. Furthermore, it intends to collaborate with regional governments, including Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa.

“We stand with the Nigerien people in their pursuit of democracy, prosperity, and stability. Since the coup, we have supported the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to cooperate with Niger in achieving a return to democratic governance.”

The statement also clarified that any resumption of U.S. assistance would necessitate action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland to swiftly and credibly transition to democratic governance. The U.S. reiterated its call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those currently in detention.

On July 26, 2023, a coup d’état unfolded in Niger as the country’s presidential guard detained President Bazoum. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of the Presidential Guard, subsequently declared himself the leader of a new military junta after confirming the coup’s success. This marked the fifth military coup in Niger since gaining independence from France in 1960 and the first since 2010.

The coup was condemned by the U.S., France, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), representing 15 countries in the region. ECOWAS had even threatened military intervention against the junta.