The military government in Niger has taken drastic action against hundreds of non-governmental organizations, suspending their operations in what authorities describe as a necessary measure to ensure transparency and combat terrorism financing.
Widespread Suspension of Aid Groups
Niger's Interior Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the ruling junta has suspended numerous national and international rights groups and aid agencies. This represents the latest in a series of crackdowns targeting NGOs operating in the West African nation.
General Mohamed Toumba, the Interior Minister, revealed that only about 100 organizations have been authorized to continue their work from the more than 4,000 NGOs and development associations currently operating in Niger. The remaining organizations must immediately suspend their activities.
Financial Transparency Demands
The mass suspension stems from what authorities claim is failure by these organizations to comply with financial reporting requirements. According to Minister Toumba, the affected groups failed to officially publish their 2024 financial statements as required by regulations.
These organizations have been given a 60-day grace period to regularize their situation and comply with the financial transparency demands. Official figures indicate that these organizations collectively mobilized over 250 billion CFA francs (approximately $440 million) in 2024.
Of the 4,122 NGOs operating in Niger, 332 are foreign organizations. The exact number of international NGOs affected by the current suspension has not been specified.
Security Concerns and Policy Shifts
Since seizing power in the July 2023 coup, General Abdourahamane Tiani's government has repeatedly accused NGOs of lacking transparency and indirectly supporting jihadist groups responsible for the long-running insurgency in the Sahel nation.
In late January, Interior Minister Toumba announced the adoption of what he called "important measures to ensure the monitoring and supervision of NGOs and development organisations." He had previously stated that "Many NGOs are in contact with these partners who bring us war through subversion missions... through the support they often provide to terrorists."
The junta has pursued a "Niger-first" foreign policy since taking power, resulting in the expulsion of US and French soldiers, as well as the French and EU ambassadors. Simultaneously, the regime has strengthened ties with other partners including Russia and Turkey.
On Thursday, General Tiani escalated his accusations against Paris, Niger's former colonial ruler, claiming France was actively trying to "destabilize" Niger. "This war we are waging is a total war, initiated by France and its leader Emmanuel Macron," he told soldiers in the southeastern Diffa region, an area heavily affected by jihadist activity.
This latest move against NGOs follows several previous bans on both local and international organizations, signaling the military government's firm stance on controlling foreign influence and ensuring all operations align with their security priorities.
