Niger Coup: How Ordinary People Are Paying The Price

Niger Coup: How Ordinary People Are Paying The Price

After the coup in Niger, the country is facing economic hardships and rising food prices… CONTINUE READING

The closure of key borders due to sanctions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has severely impacted trade and imports.

Borders to some neighbors have been reopened, but the ones with Benin and Nigeria remain closed, affecting the import and export of goods.

Niger also heavily depends on Nigeria for electricity, which has been cut off. Many districts in Niger already suffered from frequent power cuts even before the coup, and less than one out of five people had access to electricity, according to the World Bank.

The situation worsened as Nigeria’s decision to cut off electricity delivery is affecting the majority of Niger’s power supply.

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ECOWAS sanctions have suspended financial transactions and frozen Niger’s assets, creating further economic challenges.

In addition, the 15-member bloc has threatened to use force if President Mohamed Bazoum isn’t returned to power. The political instability and economic pressures are causing uncertainty and anxiety among the population.

As one of the world’s poorest countries, Niger relies on aid to sustain its people.

The country was already experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis in a decade before the military coup.

With two-thirds of the country being desert, Niger suffers from intense droughts and has limited arable land. Approximately 4.3 million people, or 17% of the population, are dependent on food aid to survive.

United Nations humanitarian operations have continued, but some of Niger’s biggest donors, including the European Union, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, have cut various types of development and budgetary aid to the government since the coup.

The country receives close to $2 billion a year in official development assistance, with some 40% of the Nigerien government’s budget reportedly coming from outside aid.

The situation is exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis, and the people of Niger are struggling to afford rising prices and cope with the instability in the region.

Despite the challenges, the UN has authorized road movements for humanitarian purposes, aiming to provide aid to those in need. However, the uncertainty surrounding the political and economic future of Niger remains a cause for concern.