Niger: Withdrawal of US aid: A new opening
On 10 October 2023, more than two months after the events, the United States of America described the military seizure of power in Niamey as a coup d’état. According to a senior US official, this announcement came after the USA had «exhausted all available avenues to preserve constitutional order in Niger».
«We are taking this step because over the past two months we have exhausted all available avenues to preserve constitutional order in Niger» said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
«Any resumption of US assistance will require steps» by the regime «to restore democratic governance in a timely and credible manner» added Mr Miller.
This measure taken by Joe Biden’s administration is not without consequences.
What may seem like a misfortune for the Niger authorities is, rather, an opportunity to give content to sovereignty. Moreover, international aid has never really developed a country, but rather ends up installing a logic of dependence and assistance in the mentality of the populations, which reduces to nothing any effort at economic and social development.
The suspension of US aid should provide Niger with a new opening towards new economic partners who could set conditions for mutually beneficial economic exchanges with the countries of the Sahel.
Indeed, at a time when African countries are the object of all kinds of covetousness from new economic and social partners, the withdrawal of American aid should be seen as a blessing in disguise, opening the way for other countries such as Russia, which is already gaining ground in Africa.
Ly Assana
