US cuts more than half a billion dollars in aid to Niger after coup

The US has decided to cut more than $600 million in aid to Niger, declaring the July coup a military coup.

"For the United States to resume assistance, the Council for the Defense of the Nigerien Fatherland (CNSP) must act to restore democracy within a rapid and credible timeframe," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on October 10, referring to the organization of Niger's military commanders.

Niger's presidential guard, Mohamed Bazoum, arrested him on July 26 and placed him under house arrest. Guard commander Abdourahamane Tiani became head of the military government. Niger also formed a new government to push through its agenda.

The United States, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Western countries have called on Niger to restore power to Mr. Bazoum but have received no response.

"We had to act because for more than two months we have exhausted all options to protect the constitutional order in Niger," said a senior US official. According to the official, the coup leaders were required to restore civilian rule within 90-120 days, "but the CNSP clearly did not want to comply."

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in Washington on July 17. Photo: AFP — US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in Washington on July 17. Photo: *AFP*

Under US law, Washington will cut aid to a country that is officially recognized as having suffered a coup.

Mr. Miller said the U.S. has decided to end nearly $200 million in aid to Niger that is currently suspended. Washington also canceled $442 million in aid through the Millennium Challenge Partnership, a program that supports developing countries that adhere to democratic principles. The money was originally intended to help Niger improve its infrastructure and agricultural trade routes.

Niger is a key base for the US and France in their efforts to counter Islamist militants in the region. The US has about 1,100 troops in Niger, but US officials say that number is now down to about 1,000, following a Pentagon move in September. US troops are no longer training or assisting Nigerien forces, but continue to monitor militant threats.

Meanwhile, France has about 1,500 troops in Niger. Niger's military government has canceled military agreements with France and expelled French ambassador Sylvain Itte. French forces began withdrawing from the country on October 10 "in the direction of Chad".