Coup: Germany Suspends Financial Aid To Niger Days After Military Takeover

Recall that Niger General Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself as the new leader of the country last week after a successful coup with soldiers to oust Niger’s democratically elected president.

However, while international bodies and country leaders have condemned the coup, the latest decision by Germany will make halt all financial and development aid to the West African country until further notice.

According to DW, Germany also noted that evacuation of German citizens or soldiers is not currently considered necessary.

Germany’s statement reads: “Berlin suspended all direct support payments to the central government of Niger until further notice,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson reportedly noted during a press briefing.

He added: “We are also examining our entire bilateral engagement with Niger and will, of course, take further measures depending on the developments in the next few days,” the spokesperson added, saying the situation was still in flux and that the coup could still fail.”

The Development Ministry confirmed the suspension of cooperation. According to DW, a spokeswoman for the ministry said that those behind the coup must restore power to the democratically elected president.

“We are in close contact within the federal government and with our partners and are monitoring and evaluating the developments in Niger,” the ministry added.

“Our assessment of the situation is that [an evacuation] is not yet needed,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, adding that the German government was prepared in case the situation were to worsen in Niger.

At the same time, Niger’s former colonial ruler, France, has said it recognizes Bazoum as the sole legitimate authority in Niger.

TrackNews understands that the statement by the French Foreign Ministry came in response to a question as to whether France had been authorized by the toppled government in Niger to carry out strikes to try and free the president, as has been claimed by the military junta behind the coup.

“Our priority is the security of our citizens and our facilities, which cannot be targeted by violence, according to international law,” the ministry added.