Canada has announced the suspension of the development assistance that directly supports the Government of Niger over the attempted coup by the military junta.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly and the Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen made the announcement in a statement released on Saturday.
While stated that the attempted coup d’état on July 26 is a serious threat to democracy and stability in Niger and the Sahel. Undermining the rule of law threatens the democratically elected government’s progress towards peace, stability and development in Niger.
Since October 2020, Canada has had a bilateral development cooperation program with Niger, which was expected to reach an annual budget of $10 million/year by 2026. The program disbursed $2.71 million in 2021-22.
Canada reiterated its solidarity with the people of Niger and its support for democracy, peace, inclusive governance and the rule of law.
“In the current context, it would be impossible to maintain direct support to the Government of Niger while ensuring an effective and intentional use of funds”, it added.
It stated further that the suspension will encompass Canada’s direct budgetary support to Government of Niger. “Canadian health, education, economic, gender equality assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable populations will continue.
The Foreign Minister said, the Canada stands with the international community and expresses support to the ECOWAS mediation efforts for return of constitutional order in Niger. “The democratically elected government must be reinstated immediately.”
Also, the International Development reacting to this development said, “We are concerned by the impact that this seizure of power by force will have on people of Niger, particularly the most vulnerable. Respect for democracy is essential for stability and cooperation efforts in Niger.”
The Goverment disclosed that Canadians in Niger who need of emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy of Canada in Bamako, Mali at +223 44 98 04 50.
They may also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre by phone at +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted where available), by text message at +1 613 686 3658, through Telegram at Canada Emergency WhatsApp at +1 613 909 8881 or Signal at +1 613 909 8087. They can also send an email.