The European Union and France have slashed financial support to Niger, and the US is threatening of doing the same, subsequent to the military coup that toppled democratically elected Nigerien president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The French foreign ministry announced on Saturday that it has suspended all development aid and financial support to the African country, according to Reuters.
The French Development Agency had earmarked in 2021 around 97 million euros for Niger.
French President Macron criticized the coup and demanded releasing and reinstating President Bazoum. “This coup is completely illegitimate and extremely dangerous for Nigeriens, Niger, and the entire region”.
Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, receives $2 billion in economic development assistance every year.
However, it is considered a vital partner for Western countries mainly France and the United States, as it helps secure the Sahel region and Central Africa against extremism.
Niger is also the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer.