Niger: Further instability could exacerbate humanitarian needs

In Niger, a country already affected by multiple crises, humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are warning that further instability could strongly deteriorate the living conditions of the most vulnerable people, and hamper the humanitarian response. In a joined statement Saturday, the NGOs said the combination of sanctions and conflict could have devastating effects on the lives of over 4.3 million people in the country who are already in need of humanitarian assistance.

The attempted military coup in Niger on July 26 is a serious threat to democracy and stability in the country and the Sahel. On July 28, the head of the presidential guard in Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, appointed himself president of the National Council and thus the country's new ruler. 

The United Nations, the United States, the West African economic bloc ECOWAS, the African Union and the European Union have called for the immediate restoration of Niger’s democratically-elected government and for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The UN and partner organizations continue to carry out humanitarian operations in the country, resuming some aid flights last week. On Monday, Niger closed its airspace until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from ECOWAS - a move that would also affect flights by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). 

Given the existing vulnerabilities in Niger, humanitarian organizations working on the ground fear that the military coup and its political and military consequences could exacerbate the current humanitarian crisis. The most vulnerable people, including women and children, are often the hardest hit in times of crisis.

“We, as independent and neutral humanitarian organizations, urge all stakeholders to do their utmost to minimize human suffering and to ensure that assistance can reach those in need, regardless of political situation or decisions”, the statement said.

The aid agencies further urge all stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian actors can continue their essential work unimpeded and in full respect of humanitarian principles. 

“We also advocate for the inclusion of humanitarian exemptions in all decisions, including sanctions, to prevent adverse impacts on civilians”, the NGOs said.

The signatories are: International Rescue Committee (IRC), Save the Children, International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), Solidarités International (SI), Humanité & Inclusion (HI), Action Contre la Faim Espagne, COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Welthungerhilfe (WHH), CARE International, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Concern Worldwide, ACTED, OXFAM, Mercy Corps, and World Vision.

Following the coup in Niger, governments around the world – including Canada, the United States, many European countries as well as the European Union, - have suspended direct cooperation with the country’s defacto rulers, affecting mostly funding for development cooperation, direct budgetary support, and security programs. 

The United States and Germany have announced that the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue. 

The Central Sahel country is already facing a complex humanitarian situation. Violence by armed groups – both in Niger and the neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso – threatens security for the civilian population, and aggravates food insecurity.

Persisting insecurity remains the key driver of acute food insecurity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), non-state armed groups (NSAGs), security forces and self-defense militias in recent months were increasingly involved in looting, cattle thefts, kidnapping and targeted killings, particularly in Tillaberi and Tahoua regions. 

In a report published Monday, the FAO said poor security conditions have severely disrupted markets and livelihoods, and continued to cause large population displacements across the country. 

Currently, 4.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger. More than 370,000 men, women and children are displaced within the county, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees – mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso. 2.5 million women, men and children are acutely food insecure.

The Sahel country is also faced with a critical funding situation. The UN humanitarian appeal for Niger of $584 million is currently only 37 percent funded. 

Further information

Full text: Niger: NGOs warn further instability and sanctions could exacerbate humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable including women and children, joined statement, published August 5, 2023 
https://www.care.org/news-and-stories/press-releases/niger-ngos-warn-further-instability-and-sanctions-could-exacerbate-humanitarian-needs-of-the-most-vulnerable-including-women-and-children/

Full text: GIEWS Country Brief: Niger 07-August-2023, report, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), releases August 7, 2023
https://www.fao.org/giews/countrybrief/country.jsp?code=NER