from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE expulsion of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from Niger brings to an end 35 years of humanitarian activities in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the West African country instructed ICRC via formal diplomatic communication on January 31 to close its offices and remove all foreign personnel from the country at once.
It complied.
On May 31, the Nigerien government communicated publicly on the ICRC’s expulsion from the country, accusing the organisation of collusion with armed groups.
Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s regional director for Africa, expressed regret at the government’s decision.
“As is always the case, our priority in Niger has been to help the most vulnerable people affected by ongoing armed conflicts and to do so with transparency, independence, neutrality and impartiality,” he responded.
Youssef said the ICRC wishes to reiterate its desire to engage in a constructive dialogue with the authorities in Niger.
“We are ready to resume at any time our vital work to protect and assist civilians,” Youssef said.
Niger, the landlocked country of over 27 million people, is beset by armed conflict, food insecurity and extreme weather events.
It has been under a military government since 2023 after a coup that ousted Mohamed Bazoum.
The humanitarian crisis is most severe in Agadez, Diffa, Tahoua and Tillabéri.
– CAJ News