The military junta ruling Niger has officially ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to leave the country with immediate effect. This move includes the closure of the humanitarian organization’s office in the capital, Niamey, and the termination of agreements between the ICRC and the Nigerien government.
Reports indicate that foreign staff members of the ICRC have already begun departing the country following the government’s decision. However, the reason for this drastic action has not been disclosed by the Nigerien authorities. This marks a significant shift for the ICRC, which has been operating in Niger since 1990, providing critical assistance to those affected by ongoing violence from jihadist groups, including those linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
The junta, which came to power following a military coup in July 2023, has consistently emphasized national sovereignty as a central tenet of its governance. Since taking control, the junta has sought to distance Niger from its former colonial ruler, France, while strengthening ties with other military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as Russia. These political shifts have also extended to the country’s approach to foreign aid and organizations.
In January 2024, Niger’s Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, announced that the government was taking steps to monitor and supervise NGOs and development organizations operating within the country. He claimed that investigations had revealed some NGOs were closely connected to foreign entities that were contributing to the ongoing conflict by supporting terrorists. These statements came shortly after Niger had previously expelled French humanitarian NGO Acted and local non-profit APBE in November 2023, withdrawing their licenses to operate in the country.
The decision to expel the ICRC follows a broader trend in Niger’s foreign policy since the coup, with the government expelling both French and US soldiers who had been stationed in the country as part of efforts to combat regional jihadist threats. Furthermore, the junta expelled the French ambassador and canceled several agreements tied to French cooperation in the region. This latest move against the ICRC has raised concerns about the future of humanitarian efforts in Niger, as the country continues to navigate a volatile political and security situation.
While the full implications of the Red Cross expulsion remain unclear, it reflects the junta’s growing control over the country’s international relations and foreign aid, underscoring its desire for greater sovereignty and a shift away from Western influence. The expulsion of humanitarian organizations has the potential to exacerbate the suffering of those already affected by violence, displacement, and the ongoing jihadist insurgency in the region.
As Niger’s relationships with key international actors continue to evolve, the fate of humanitarian aid and the well-being of the most vulnerable populations in the country remain uncertain.
