The United States has announced that it is suspending most of its assistance to the government of Niger following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on August 4. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that the coup constituted a “military coup d’etat” and triggered a legal provision that prohibits U.S. aid to any government that comes to power by force.
According to the statement, the U.S. had already paused some of its foreign assistance programs to Niger on August 5, totaling nearly $200 million. Those programs are now also suspended, along with most other U.S. assistance to the government of Niger. The statement said that the suspension affects about $302 million in aid from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. agency that provides grants to developing countries that meet certain criteria.
However, the U.S. said that it will continue to provide humanitarian, food, and health assistance to the people of Niger, as well as work with regional governments to advance shared interests in West Africa. The U.S. also reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic rule in Niger.
The U.S. called for the release of Bazoum, his family, and all those detained by the coup leaders. The statement said that any resumption of U.S. assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland, the body set up by the coup leaders, to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.
The U.S. said that it stands with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability.