Following the military coup that ousted the elected president Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, both Germany and France have announced the suspension of their development aid and budgetary support to the country.
On July 31, 2023, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Sebastian Fischer, officially announced the suspension of all direct support payments to the government of Niger. This measure aims to highlight Germany’s strong rejection of the military coup that disrupted the constitutional order in the country.
France had also announced two days earlier, on July 29, the suspension of its development aid and budgetary support to Niger. Paris joined Germany in condemning the overthrow of the elected president and expressed solidarity with democracy and stability in the region.
Both countries have also agreed to suspend all bilateral development cooperation with Niger. This measure will certainly have a significant impact on the country, which partly relied on international aid to promote its economic and social development.
Niger is now facing a major challenge in restoring stability and democratic legitimacy to its government. The hope lies in the possibility of swiftly bringing the country back on the path of democracy and the rule of law, with the support of the international community. Germany and France are ready to reassess their position as soon as democratic normalcy is restored in Niger.
