Ifeanyi Ibe
Germany has suspended financial aid to Niger as well as development cooperation following last week’s coup.
The announcement also warned that Germany could take further measures.
According to a foreign ministry spokesperson in a press briefing on Monday, “Berlin has suspended all direct support payments to the central government of Niger until further notice.” Niger Coup: We Won’t Allow Any Undemocratic Action In ECOWAS Region – Tinubu
“Depending on developments in the coming days, we may take further measures,” the spokesman added, without giving further details.
Also, a spokeswoman said the development ministry has also decided to “suspend bilateral development cooperation.”
The European Union (EU) and former colonial power, France, earlier suspended financial aid and security cooperation for Niger at the weekend. ECOWAS Gives Niger’s Military One-Week Ultimatum To Reinstate Bazoum
Germany has about 100 troops stationed in Niger and has an important air transport and logistics base in the capital Niamey, which is playing a role in Berlin’s withdrawal of personnel from neighbouring Mali.
The Western country is withdrawing its troops from Mali following the United Nations (UN) decision to end a peacekeeping mission.
A defence ministry spokesman said operations at the base are suspended but added that “the threat situation has not changed” since the putsch, and personnel there are well.
The foreign ministry also said there are currently no plans to evacuate Germans from Niger.
Niger’s elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by the military since Wednesday last week, in the third coup in as many years to fell a leader in the Sahel.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the powerful presidential guard, has declared himself leader. African leaders Sunday gave the junta one week to cede power or face the possible use of force.
AFP
