In a move that further intensifies the already strained relationship between Niger and France, the country’s military junta has banned the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (Acted) from operating within its borders. The Ministry of the Interior issued a decree on Tuesday revoking Acted’s license, without providing any specific reasons for the decision. This action follows a similar move against another aid group, Niger’s Action for Well-Being (APBE), whose license was also revoked.
Acted has been a prominent presence in Niger since 2010, playing a crucial role in assisting individuals displaced by both jihadist violence and natural disasters. Its expulsion underscores the growing chasm between Niger and its former Western allies, particularly France.
The current situation in Niger can be traced back to the military coup that occurred last year, which marked the latest in a series of such takeovers across Africa’s Sahel region. This vast arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert has become a breeding ground for extremist violence, posing a significant challenge to regional stability.
Since seizing power, Niger’s ruling junta has made a decisive shift in its foreign policy, turning away from its Western partners and aligning itself with Russia for security purposes. This move culminated in the expulsion of both French soldiers engaged in the fight against jihadists in the country and the French ambassador.
The growing alliance between Niger and Russia has also been highlighted by the United States’ withdrawal from Niger in September. The junta’s termination of the agreement allowing U.S. troops to operate in the country marked the end of a significant Western presence in the region. Niger had previously been considered a crucial partner in the West’s efforts to combat jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
The recent ban on Acted and the ongoing tension with France are indicative of the complex geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region. Niger’s shift towards Russia has far-reaching consequences, not only for the fight against extremism but also for the future of humanitarian aid in the region. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the coming months.
