Niger bans French aid group Acted, deepening rift with France

The ban was issued by Niger’s interior ministry on Tuesday, along with a similar action against the Nigerien aid group Action for Well-Being (APBE). No explanation was provided for the decision.

Acted has been operating in Niger since 2010, supporting communities affected by jihadist violence and natural disasters. However, since taking power in a 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders have gradually shifted their alliances, moving away from Western countries and instead exploring closer ties with Russia. This shift includes expelling French troops and the French ambassador, who had been stationed to assist in the fight against regional jihadist groups.

Niger’s action is part of a larger trend in the Sahel region, where several countries have experienced military takeovers amid a surge in extremist violence. In September, the United States also withdrew its forces from Niger after the junta nullified an agreement allowing U.S. troops to operate in the country.

Before the military takeover, Niger was seen as a crucial ally for Western countries combating al-Qaida- and Islamic State-linked jihadist threats in the Sahel. The recent moves suggest an evolving security landscape, with Niger’s junta seeking alternative partnerships in its approach to security and governance in the region. (ILKHA)