The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has officially closed its offices in Niger and withdrawn all foreign staff, bringing an end to over three decades of humanitarian work in the country.
The move comes four months after Niger’s military rulers ordered the organization to halt its operations and leave the West African nation.
Despite repeated efforts by the ICRC to engage with Nigerien authorities since February, talks aimed at resolving the issue fell through.
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The organization had sought to clarify its position and understand the reasons behind the expulsion order but made no progress.
Last week, Niger’s transitional leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, publicly defended the decision. Speaking on state television, he accused the Red Cross of meeting with extremist leaders and indirectly supporting armed groups.
The ICRC, in response, firmly rejected these claims, explaining that engaging with all parties in conflict zones is essential to its neutral and impartial humanitarian mission. It emphasized that it does not fund or support any militant group in any form.
For more than 30 years, the Red Cross provided critical aid in Niger, delivering support to communities suffering from violence, hunger, and climate-related disasters. Its services reached over two million people, including victims of armed conflict and families displaced by extremist violence, particularly in the troubled Sahel region.
Niger’s decision to expel the ICRC marks another significant shift in its foreign relations. Since the 2023 coup that removed the country’s elected government, the ruling junta has distanced itself from Western nations like France and the United States.
In their place, Niger has strengthened military and diplomatic ties with Russia.
This latest expulsion follows a pattern of similar actions by the junta. In November, the government banned the French humanitarian organization Acted, citing deteriorating relations with France. Humanitarian experts warn that the departure of experienced aid groups may leave vulnerable populations even more exposed as the country continues to battle widespread instability and insecurity.
While the Red Cross has expressed hope of reopening talks with the junta to resume its activities, there is no indication that the government plans to reconsider its position.
