According to THE PUNCH, Niger’s recent coup leaders have enacted a prohibition against United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international groups operating within designated military “operation zones.” The Interior Ministry conveyed this directive on Thursday through an announcement covered by AFP.
The coup, which unfolded on July 26 and was spearheaded by the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, Abdourahamane Tchiani, resulted in the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power.
In response to this crisis, leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc have expressed their commitment to exploring peaceful solutions. They have also initiated the activation of an ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
While the Interior Ministry’s statement didn’t specify the regions affected, it announced through national radio that, “Due to the current security situation and operational commitment of the Nigerien armed forces, the ministry informs international organisations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger that all activities and or movements in the zones of operations are temporarily suspended.”
In parallel, the junta, through a separate statement, communicated the resumption of domestic flights and the reinstatement of select state institutions, including the Constitutional Court. However, land and air borders remain closed, according to Reuters.
On Thursday, a Reuters correspondent observed a backlog of trucks, cars, and motorbikes at the border between Gabon and southern Cameroon. At the Kye-Ossi crossing, some individuals resorted to hanging laundry between vehicles due to the lengthy queues.
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