GERMANY said today it suspended financial aid and development cooperation to Niger after last week’s coup, and said it may take further measures.

Berlin has “suspended all direct support payments to the central government of Niger until further notice”, a Foreign Ministry spokesman told the press.

“Depending on developments in coming days, we may take further measures,” the spokesman said without giving further details.

The Development Ministry also decided to “suspend bilateral development cooperation”, a spokesman told the press.

The European Union and former colonial power France have already suspended financial aid and security cooperation for Niger at the weekend.

The Germany military has about 100 troops stationed in Niger and has an important air transport and logistics base in Niamey, which is playing a role in Berlin’s withdrawal of personnel from neighbouring Mali.

Germany is withdrawing its troops from Mali following the United Nations’ decision to end a peacekeeping mission.

A Defence Ministry spokesman said operations at the base had been suspended but added “the threat situation has not changed” since the putsch, and personnel there were well.

The Foreign Ministry said there are no plans to evacuate Germans from Niger.

Niger’s elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by the military since last Wednesday, in the third coup in as many years to fell a leader in the Sahel.

Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the powerful presidential guard, has declared himself leader. African leaders yesterday gave the junta one week to cede power or face the possible use of force. – AFP, July 31, 2023.