The United States has suspended nearly $200 million in assistance to the government of Niger following a coup d’état in July 2023.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Spokesperson U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, said the suspension is in line with section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, which requires the US to withhold assistance to countries where a democratically elected government has been overthrown by a military coup.
“We underscore that we will maintain our life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa.
“We stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability. Since the coup, we have supported the Economic Community of West African States’ efforts to work with Niger to achieve a return to democratic rule,” he said
The US also noted the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on its $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact and all new activity on its 2018 Compact.
However, the US assured that the people of Niger would continue to benefit from its life-saving humanitarian assistance.
The US also reiterated its call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected president of Niger, his family, and all those detained by the military junta.
