Just In : UK Suspends Aid To Niger After Coup (DETAILS)
The UK government has announced that it will suspend long-term aid to Niger following the recent military coup, and it is supporting regional efforts to restore the country’s deposed president.
This announcement coincides with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s three-nation tour of West Africa, which includes Nigeria, a prominent member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
ECOWAS, a 15-nation bloc, declared on Sunday that it is suspending relations with Niger and authorizing the use of military force if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell stated, “The UK fully supports the immediate political and economic measures announced today by ECOWAS and will suspend long-term development assistance to Niger. However, we will continue to provide critical humanitarian assistance to the people of Niger.”
“The UK is a committed partner of Niger’s democratically elected government and calls for President Bazoum to be immediately reinstated to restore constitutional order,” he added.
Last Wednesday, a group of soldiers appeared on Niger’s national television, announcing that they had ousted President Bazoum from power and were holding him in the presidential palace. The coup has heightened tensions in the Sahel region, where Niger and other countries have joined forces with the West to combat Islamist terrorism.
As ECOWAS implemented its sanctions, crowds in Niger’s capital, Niamey, burned French flags and attacked France’s embassy, leading to the use of tear gas by police.
During his four-day tour of Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia, Foreign Secretary Cleverly is primarily focusing on investment. However, it is likely that the situation in Niger will also be addressed when he meets with Nigerian ministers on Tuesday.
“With the UK-Africa Investment Summit to be hosted in London next April, we are looking to strengthen our business links and grow our economies together,” he stated
