Niger’s Interior Ministry has announced that it is suspending the activities of UN agencies and international NGOs in military “operation zones” due to the country’s security crisis.
The statement, issued on Thursday, said the decision was taken “due to the current security situation and the ongoing implementation of the tasks set by the armed forces of Niger”.
The ministry said the suspension would be temporary and that it would be lifted “once the security situation improves”.
The decision comes as Niger faces a growing security threat from jihadist groups. In recent months, there have been a number of attacks on civilians and security forces in the country’s border regions.
The suspension of UN agencies and NGOs is likely to have a significant impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid in Niger. Many of these organizations operate in remote areas where the security situation is already difficult.
The decision has also been criticized by some observers, who say it will make it more difficult to address the root causes of the security crisis in Niger.
UN Contacting Niger Coup Leaders
The United Nations said Friday it was seeking contact with Niger coup leaders after they stopped its agencies and other organisations from working in military “operation zones”.
“We’ve seen the reports. We are reaching out to the de facto authorities in Niger to better understand what this means and the implications for the humanitarian work,” UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci told reporters in Geneva.
Background
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa that is bordered by Mali to the north, Burkina Faso to the east, Benin to the south, and Nigeria to the southwest.
The country is a major transit point for drugs and weapons trafficked from South America to Europe. It is also home to a number of armed groups, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the Niger Delta Avengers.
In recent years, Niger has been hit by a wave of terrorist attacks, which have killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands more.
The security crisis has had a devastating impact on the country’s economy and development. It has also made it difficult to provide humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people.
Possible implications
The suspension of UN agencies and NGOs could have a number of implications for Niger.
First, it could make it more difficult to deliver humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people. Many of these organizations operate in remote areas where the security situation is already difficult.
Second, it could undermine efforts to address the root causes of the security crisis. These organizations often work to promote peacebuilding, good governance, and development, all of which are essential to building a more secure future for Niger.
Third, it could damage Niger’s reputation as a responsible partner in the fight against terrorism. The country has been a key ally of the United States and France in the fight against ISGS. The suspension of UN agencies and NGOs could be seen as a sign that Niger is not committed to this fight.
Way forward
The Nigerien government should reconsider its decision to suspend UN agencies and NGOs from working in military operation zones. These organizations play an essential role in delivering humanitarian aid and promoting peacebuilding in the country.
The government should also work to address the root causes of the security crisis, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By doing so, it can create a more stable and secure environment for all Nigeriens.shareGoogle itmore_vertadd_circle
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