The military regime in power in Niger announced on Thursday evening the suspension of all activities of international organizations, NGOs and UN agencies in military “operations areas” due to the “current security situation”.
“Due to the current security situation and the current operational commitment of the Nigerien armed forces, the Ministry informs international organizations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger, that all activities and or movements in the areas of operations are temporarily suspended”, indicates a press release from the Ministry of the Interior read on national radio, without specifying the regions concerned.
Niger has been confronted for several years with the violence of jihadist groups, in its southwestern part, near the borders of Burkina Faso and Mali and in its southeastern part near the Lake Chad basin and the border with Nigeria. .
The soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 notably invoked the “deterioration of the security situation” to justify their seizure of power.
Since the coup, the attacks have continued. On August 15, 17 soldiers were killed in one near Burkina Faso.