Niger military government bans French aid group

(CLO) Niger's military government has banned the French aid organization, the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (Acted), from operating in the country amid rising tensions between Niger and France.

Niger's Interior Ministry signed a decree on Tuesday revoking Acted's operating license without giving any specific reasons. Another Niger aid organization, Action for Welfare (APBE), also had its license revoked.

Mohamed Toumba (holding a microphone), one of the men who overthrew Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, speaks in Niamey, Niger in August 2023. AP Photo.

Acted has been operating in the West African country since 2010, primarily supporting people affected by violence from natural disasters and jihadist groups.

Niger's military government took power in a coup last year, following a string of coups in the Sahel region - the vast desert region south of the Sahara.

Since the coup, Niger has increasingly distanced itself from its Western partners, turning instead to Russia for security assistance. Niger's military government has expelled French troops from the country, as well as the French ambassador.

In September, the US military also completed its withdrawal from Niger after the country's military government terminated an agreement allowing US troops to operate in the West African country.

Niger was once seen as the West's last reliable partner in the region in the fight against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State (IS).

Hong Hanh (according to CNN, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chinh-quyen-quan-su-niger-cam-nhom-vien-tro-cua-phap-post321436.html