The leaders of the military coup in Niger have announced the suspension of activities by United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations in military “operation zones.” This decision was conveyed by Niger’s Interior Ministry, and it comes in the wake of the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
The coup, led by former commander Abdourahamane Tchiani, has prompted international condemnation and calls for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) leaders have discussed various measures, including the activation of an ECOWAS standby force, to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The details of which specific regions are affected by this restriction have not been specified. The Ministry’s statement attributed the suspension of activities to the security situation and operational commitments of the Nigerien armed forces.
In the midst of these developments, the junta has announced the resumption of domestic flights and the restoration of certain state institutions, such as the Constitutional Court. However, land and air borders remain closed.
The coup and subsequent restrictions highlight the complex challenges and uncertainties that can arise from political upheavals, impacting both national and international actors operating within the affected areas.