Niger’s military leadership has ordered the suspension of most national and international non-governmental organizations operating in the country, deepening a months-long campaign to tighten state control over the aid sector. Officials confirmed the move on Thursday, saying it follows a new regulatory push introduced earlier this year.
The ruling junta, which took power after the July 2023 coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has long accused NGOs of poor financial accountability and of enabling—directly or indirectly—the jihadist groups that have plagued the Sahel for more than a decade. Since assuming authority, the regime has repeatedly argued that foreign and domestic organizations must align with national security priorities.
In January, Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba unveiled a new framework requiring stricter reporting, particularly on financial operations. Under these rules, organizations operating in Niger must publicly release their 2024 financial statements. According to Toumba, only about 100 groups out of more than 4,000 active NGOs submitted the required documents on time and have been cleared to continue working. The rest have been instructed to halt activities immediately and given 60 days to comply.
Niger currently hosts 4,122 officially registered NGOs and development associations, including 332 foreign-based groups. Collectively, they mobilized more than 250 billion CFA francs (roughly $440 million) in 2024—a critical resource in a country grappling with chronic food insecurity, conflict displacement, and severe humanitarian needs.
The government has not specified how many international organizations are included in the latest suspension, though several foreign and domestic groups had already been forced to cease operations earlier in the year. In previous statements, Toumba alleged that some NGOs maintain contact with actors “who destabilize the country” by assisting extremist elements or undermining national interests.
Since the coup, the junta has advanced a “Niger-first” foreign policy, distancing itself from traditional Western partners. The government has expelled U.S. and French military forces, removed French and EU envoys, and sought deeper cooperation with countries such as Russia and Turkey.
During a visit to Diffa in southeastern Niger on Thursday—a region heavily affected by Boko Haram and Islamic State–linked fighters—General Tiani again accused France of attempting to undermine the country’s stability. “This war we are fighting is a total war, initiated by France and its leader Emmanuel Macron,” he told troops, reiterating claims that Paris continues to interfere in Niger’s internal affairs.
Humanitarian actors and analysts warn that the sweeping suspensions could disrupt essential aid services, from food distribution to healthcare, at a time when more than four million Nigeriens rely on external assistance. However, authorities insist the measures are necessary to restore oversight, protect national sovereignty, and prevent foreign influence in security matters.
Source:Africa Publicity
