The military junta in Niger has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to cease its operations and leave the country. The decision, announced without explanation, aligns with the regime’s emphasis on national sovereignty, a central theme of its governance since seizing power in July 2023.
The ICRC, which has been operating in Niger for over three decades, published a report on its activities in the country on the same day the expulsion was announced. The report highlighted its significant contributions, including providing healthcare to more than 120,000 victims of armed conflict in 2023 alone. Despite its long-standing presence and humanitarian efforts, the organization has yet to issue a public response to the expulsion order.
According to a civil society source in Niger, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded the ICRC’s departure after denouncing certain agreements. Foreign staff associated with the NGO have reportedly begun leaving the country, and the ICRC’s office in Niger has been closed since Tuesday, as confirmed by AFP.
This move follows a pattern of actions by the junta, which has increasingly scrutinized and restricted the operations of international organizations. In November 2023, the French NGO ACTED and its Nigerien partner APBE faced similar expulsion. The junta has also expelled French and American troops involved in anti-terrorism operations and withdrew Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), further underscoring its focus on sovereignty.
In late January, Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba announced stringent measures to monitor and regulate NGOs and development organizations operating in Niger. He accused several NGOs of collaborating with external partners allegedly supporting terrorist activities, stating, “Many NGOs are involved with these partners who are waging war against us… through the support they often give to terrorists.”
The expulsion of the ICRC raises concerns about the future of humanitarian aid in Niger, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by conflict and instability. As the junta continues to prioritize sovereignty, the international community watches closely to see how these actions will impact Niger’s relationships with global humanitarian organizations.
