2023-08-07 03:28:46
Canada has announced the suspension of its direct financial assistance to the government of Niger.
“The Canadian government is suspending all direct funding to the government of Niger, but aid to vulnerable populations will continue,” Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said in a statement reported by Radio Canada.
Last week, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard in Niger, led a coup that overthrew the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, justifying his action by “the deterioration of the security situation” in the country in the face of to the violence of terrorist groups.
In her statement, the Canadian foreign minister added that Canada “stands that the democratically elected government must be restored to office immediately”.
Canada had signed a bilateral development agreement with Niger in 2020 which was to reach an annual budget of $10 million per year by 2026. The program disbursed $2.71 million in fiscal year 2021- 2022, according to Radio Canada.
Friday, the United States had, in turn, announced the suspension of certain aid programs to the government of Niger.
“This interim measure does not affect all U.S. foreign assistance programs in Niger,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
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