The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has officially suspended its humanitarian activities in Niger, following a directive from the country’s military-led government to shut down its offices.
- The ICRC has suspended its humanitarian activities in Niger following a directive by the military-led government.
- Authorities in Niger accused the ICRC of engaging with armed groups, allegations the organization denies.
- The absence of the ICRC exacerbates Niger’s existing humanitarian crisis, affecting millions in need of assistance.
The decision to halt Red Cross operations in the military-led African nation came after Nigerien authorities accused the organization of engaging with armed groups in the country.
Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, stated during a May interview on state television that the ICRC had been expelled early this year.
According to him, the decision followed claims that the organization had held meetings and collaborated with Islamist insurgent leaders. These accusations have not been substantiated publicly with evidence.
In response, the ICRC has firmly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued on Thursday, the organization explained that as part of its neutral humanitarian mission, it communicates with all parties involved in conflicts whether in writing or through dialogue.
However, it emphasized that this engagement “never provides those parties with financial, logistical or other support.”
The ICRC, which has been present in Niger for 35 years, described the shutdown as regrettable. The organization disclosed that foreign personnel were withdrawn from the country earlier this year, in compliance with the government’s initial order. It also stated that efforts to open dialogue with Niger authorities had not yielded results.
“Our priority in Niger has been to help the most vulnerable people affected by ongoing armed conflicts and to do so with transparency, independence, neutrality and impartiality,” said Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa.
Impact on humanitarian aid
According to United Nations figures, around 4.5 million people, or 17% of Niger’s population, needed humanitarian assistance in 2024. The country continues to face a severe crisis fueled by insecurity, disease outbreaks, and environmental disasters.
The Red Cross’s exit is likely to further strain humanitarian support in a country already battling multiple emergencies.
Since the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military government has taken a hard stance against Western organizations and allies.
It has joined regional neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso in expelling French and Western forces while seeking closer security cooperation with Russia.
The closure of the ICRC’s operations marks yet another shift in Niger’s international relations and internal management of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Fathia Olasupo
