The European Commission resumed aid to Niger on Tuesday, releasing 25 million euros ($35 million) after the West African nation returned to democracy this year following a coup. The funds are aimed at helping the government of President Mahamadou Issoufou combat poverty by focusing on improving education and the health sector. The funds were released after an analysis found "very encouraging progress" in the areas of macro-economic stability, coherent and sustainable policy for fighting poverty and management of public finances, the commission said.
The EU suspended its development cooperation with Niger in 2009 when then president Mamadou Tandja refused to leave power after his term ended. A military junta then took power in February 2010.
As with many nations in Africa, a change in democracy usually means help from the western world, which includes mainly financial or economic aid, among other things. Hopefully a democratic government is not in namesake only and we can only hope that the aid goes to those in the country who need it the most.
