Lagos: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced the suspension of its humanitarian work in Niger following the military government's directive to shut down its offices, citing unsubstantiated claims of collaboration with armed insurgents.
Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, revealed in a state TV interview in late May that the ICRC had been expelled back in February, accusing the organization of meeting with Islamist militant leaders. The Red Cross has firmly denied these accusations.
In a statement released Thursday, the ICRC stressed that its mission requires engagement with all sides involved in a conflict, solely for humanitarian purposes. “The ICRC never provides financial, logistical, or any other kind of support to any party,” the organization clarified.
The humanitarian agency, which has operated in Niger for 35 years, expressed deep regret over the government’s decision. It disclosed that it had complied with the expulsion by withdrawing all foreign staff from the country earlier this year. However, it remained open to dialogue in an effort to resolve the matter and clarify its role—efforts that ultimately went unanswered by Nigerien authorities.
“Our commitment in Niger has always been to assist those most affected by armed conflict, doing so in a manner that is transparent, neutral, and impartial,” said Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s Regional Director.
The suspension comes as Niger continues to grapple with a growing humanitarian emergency. The United Nations reports that 4.5 million people—around 17% of the country’s population—require aid in 2024 due to a combination of violence, disease outbreaks, and climate-related disasters.
Niger has been under military rule since a 2023 coup that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum. In the wake of the power shift, the junta has distanced itself from Western partners, expelling French troops and pivoting towards Russian support—mirroring moves by military-led governments in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
