The United States has declared its intention to suspend certain aid programmes to Niger after the military council seized power, and removed the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
As reported by RFI, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced the suspension of aid programmes to the West African nation on Friday.
‘The US government is pausing certain foreign assistance programmes benefiting the government of Niger,’ Blinken said in a statement.
However, ‘life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue’ and the US would still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country, he said.
Last weekend, in response to Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani’s rise to power in the junta following the coup, France opted to suspend all development aid to Niger.
The European Union and several other countries have joined France in suspending their support as a result of the recent coup and change in leadership.
‘The provision of US assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order,’ Blinken said.
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‘We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Niger’s democratically elected government.’
According to the World Bank, Niger, being among the most impoverished countries globally, receives an approximate sum of $2 billion per year in official development assistance.
Reports indicate that the United States contributed $200 million to the country in the year 2022 and has already dispatched $130 million during the current fiscal year.
Protests have brought to light a potential alliance between the present military power and Russia, indicated by the chanting of Vladimir Putin’s name and the hoisting of the Russian flag by demonstrators.
Their rationale stems from the notion that France has been exploiting their natural resources for many years, leaving the nation with meagre or no gains.
The recent inclination towards Russia suggests that their decision to foster relations may be motivated by the enticing benefits that Russia can provide, surpassing what France had offered in the past.