U.S. suspends more than $500m, other assistance to Niger over coup

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States says it is suspending most of its assistance to the Niger Government following the coup that toppled the elected government of the West African nation.

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.

Matthew Miller, Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State, in a statement on Tuesday said the United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger.

He said 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 programs to the government of Niger, totaling nearly $200 million. That assistance is now also suspended pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act.

“We also note 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 added.

Miller said the U.S. underscored that it would maintain its life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger.

He added that the United States also intended 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.

“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,” Miller stated.

Earlier, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with the sacked Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.

Department’s spokesman, Miller said Secretary Blinken reiterated that a democratically elected, civilian-led government presents the best opportunity to ensure that Niger remained a strong partner in security and development in the region.

“The United States calls for the immediate release of all those unjustly detained following the military takeover,” he said.