In a decisive move, Germany announced on Monday that it has suspended all financial aid to Niger, as well as development cooperation with the country that has been plagued by jihadist insurgency.
This decision came in the wake of last week’s coup, which saw the detention of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and has raised concerns over the nation’s stability.
A spokesperson from the German foreign ministry disclosed the suspension during a press briefing, stating that all direct support payments to Niger’s central government will be put on hold indefinitely. The spokesperson also conveyed that depending on how the situation unfolds in the coming days, further measures could be taken, although specific details were not disclosed at this time.
Furthermore, Germany’s development ministry decided to halt bilateral development cooperation with Niger. This move adds to the growing international pressure on the country, with both the European Union and former colonial power France having already suspended their financial aid to Niger and ceased security cooperation over the weekend.
As part of its strategic military presence in the region, Germany currently maintains around 100 troops in Niger and operates a vital air transport and logistics base in the capital city, Niamey.
However, following the United Nations’ decision to conclude the peacekeeping mission in Mali, Germany has been gradually withdrawing its personnel from the neighboring nation. A spokesperson from the German defense ministry confirmed that operations at the base in Niger have been suspended, but reassured that the threat situation has not changed significantly since the coup, and personnel stationed there remain safe.
Despite the escalating tensions, the German foreign ministry stated that there are currently no plans to evacuate German citizens from Niger, indicating the country’s resolve to maintain a presence in the region and support stability.
In Niger, uncertainty prevails as the elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum, remains in military custody since last Wednesday’s coup, marking the third coup in the Sahel region in as many years. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the presidential guard, declared himself as the nation’s new leader, sparking regional and international concern.
On Sunday, African leaders issued a stern ultimatum to the junta, demanding that they cede power within one week or face the potential use of force. The situation has drawn the attention of the international community, and as the political landscape remains uncertain, the fate of Niger and its people hangs in the balance.
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