The coup has forced many displaced people to flee their homes in the hope of assistance. According to the UN’s OCHA, humanitarian assistance to Niger has increased from 1.9 million people in 2017 to 4.3 million in 2023, emphasizing the dire humanitarian conditions and the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the region.
The attempted military coup in Niger aimed at unconstitutionally changing the legitimate government of the Republic of Niger has threatened the progress of the country, raising concerns over negative humanitarian impacts, increased risk for insecurity and terrorist activities, socio-economic crisis, and political instability.
Even though humanitarian operations, development support, and peace programs in Niger continue in the wake of the attempted military coup, there are concerns about the protection of civilians, the provision of humanitarian assistance during this challenging time, and the prevention of any forms of violence.
The current situation has particularly exacerbated the food insecurity, as 4.3 million people, including many women and children, were dependent on aid provided before the power change. As reports have highlighted, nearly 3.3 million people face food insecurity affected by the crisis in addition to impacts from drought, insecurity and other challenges.
While the humanitarian and development partners seem to be still engaged and committed to supporting the vulnerable population of Niger, the closure of borders will suspend the cross-border support, although temporarily. The coup has forced many displaced people to flee their homes in the hope of assistance. According to the UN’s OCHA, humanitarian assistance to Niger has increased from 1.9 million people in 2017 to 4.3 million in 2023, emphasizing the dire humanitarian conditions and the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the region.