The Ministry of the Interior of the transitional government established by the military in power in Niger has ordered the suspension of activities of international organizations and NGOs in “military operational zones.” This was reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“Due to the security situation and the readiness of the Nigerien armed forces, the ministry informs international organizations, national and international NGOs, and UN-affiliated agencies present in the country that all their activities and movements in the operational zones are temporarily suspended,” the ministry stated in a release quoted by AFP. The specific regions of the country affected by this order are not specified.
Sit-in to Demand Departure of French Forces The Nigerien movement M62, in coordination with certain religious and civil society structures, has announced a three-day sit-in starting from September 1st near the French military base to demand its departure.
“This statement follows our recent press conference regarding the call for the general mobilization of the people and particularly the populations of Niamey to peacefully compel the French forces to leave our country, in accordance with the decision of the authorities who denounced the defense agreements between the State of Niger and France a month ago,” stated the movement’s coordinator, Abdoulaye Seydoux, reading the declaration. His speech was broadcast by the RTN channel.
“Today, the only worthwhile struggle is the general mobilization of our people for the departure of French forces from our country, as was the case in Mali and Burkina Faso,” he declared.
As a reminder, on the evening of July 26, Nigerien rebels announced the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, the closure of borders, the implementation of a curfew, the suspension of the Constitution, and the ban on all political parties. Two days later, they proclaimed General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who led the presidential guard and whose units still hold Mohamed Bazoum, as the head of state.
The leaders of the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed heavy sanctions on the coup leaders and demanded the release of Mr. Bazoum, threatening to use force. On August 10, Mr. Tchiani signed a decree forming a new transitional government consisting of 20 ministers, both military and civilian.
In mid-August, the Nigerien civil movement M62 accused French authorities of seeking to provoke a war in the country and continuing their plundering. “The military aggression project initiated from start to finish by France and imposed on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a declaration of war against the Sahel countries and certain other neighboring states of Niger,” stated the movement, as cited by the Nigerien Press Agency.
