The United States has suspended nearly $200 million assistance to the government of Niger Republic.
On 26 July 2023, a coup d’état occurred in Niger when the country’s presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and Presidential Guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, shortly after confirming the coup a success.
On August 5, 2023, the U.S. temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger.
The move came as the Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc representing 15 countries, was weighing possible military intervention to return Bazoum’s government to power.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Spokesperson U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, said the suspension was in line with section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act.
“The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger.
“On August 5, the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programmes to the government of Niger, totalling nearly $200 million. That assistance is now also suspended pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act.”
The U.S. also noted the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on its $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact and all new activity on its 2018 Compact.
Miller however assured that the people of Niger would continue to benefit from its life-saving humanitarian assistance.
He stated “We underscore that we will maintain our life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa.
“We stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability. Since the coup, we have supported the Economic Community of West African States’ efforts to work with Niger to achieve a return to democratic rule.”
The country added “Any resumption of U.S. assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.
“The United States reiterates its call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained.”
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