Faith Nyasuguta
Niger’s military government has intensified its efforts to reduce foreign influence by revoking the operating license of the French humanitarian organization, Acted. The Interior Ministry announced that the decision would take effect on Tuesday, although no explicit reasons were given. This move follows a series of measures targeting France, the former colonial power, amid deteriorating diplomatic relations.
Acted, operating in Niger since 2009, has provided essential aid to displaced populations in a nation struggling with jihadist insurgencies and humanitarian crises. The junta’s move reflects its broader strategy of distancing Niger from Western influence following the July 2023 coup that brought the military to power.
Ibrahim Bana, a prominent pro-government influencer, highlighted the move, celebrating it as part of Niger’s “march towards national sovereignty.” This rhetoric underscores the junta’s narrative of prioritizing Niger’s independence from external control. Since taking power, the military leaders have expelled French troops and the French ambassador, signaling a strong stance against Paris.
Niger’s recent policies align with those of Burkina Faso and Mali, fellow Sahel nations also led by military regimes. These governments have expelled French forces and NGOs while seeking alliances with non-Western partners, such as Russia. The presence of Russian interests in the region has grown, with Niger considering deeper ties that challenge traditional Western dominance.
Acted’s withdrawal is likely to have serious consequences for humanitarian aid in Niger, a country where millions face severe food insecurity and displacement. The absence of the organization’s assistance could worsen the conditions for vulnerable communities, complicating the delivery of food, shelter, and other vital resources.
Adding complexity to Niger’s strained international relationships, the junta’s anti-LGBTQ+ law has also affected foreign aid. Many Western nations and donors have reevaluated their financial support due to human rights concerns, limiting external funding and putting additional pressure on Niger’s already fragile economy.
The expulsion of Acted, along with other recent measures, raises concerns about the future operations of international and local NGOs in Niger. Observers question how these actions will shape Niger’s humanitarian landscape and its engagement with global partners. The junta’s focus on national sovereignty, while addressing external influences, may risk isolating the nation and depriving its population of necessary support.
The international community will be closely watching how Niger navigates these shifts, balancing its self-determination goals with the immediate needs of its people amid regional instability.
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