Post-Coup Sanctions Trigger Humanitarian Crisis in Niger Amid Support for Junta

Despite widespread suffering, Niger's junta remains in power, bolstered by popular support, as external sanctions deteriorate already precarious humanitarian conditions.

Following the coup three months ago that toppled Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, the country is facing stringent economic sanctions from the regional bloc ECOWAS, along with Western and European nations, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The sanctions, aimed to deter the surge of coups in Africa's volatile Sahel region, have failed to impact the junta's ambitions but have severely affected Niger's population by limiting funding, medical supplies and essential commodities.
Despite the drastic reduction in the country's 2023 budget by 40% due to withheld aid and loans, the junta remains in power and has established a transitional government that could last for up to three years.
In spite of the rising prices and scarcity of essential commodities, many Nigeriens support the junta and dismiss concerns from the West, with some believing the hardship is a worthy sacrifice for the love of their homeland.
With neighboring countries halting trade, thousands of tons of food and malnutrition treatment supplies remain stranded at the border, pushing millions of Niger's population into acute food insecurity and other serious public health emergencies.