Red Cross Niger: Office Closures & Staff Departure
- The International Committee of the Red cross (ICRC) has ceased its operations in Niger, closing its offices and removing foreign staff.
- The ICRC confirmed the closure in a statement, expressing a desire to resume humanitarian work.
- niger's Foreign Affairs Ministry initially ordered the ICRC to close its offices in February, without providing an official explanation.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been forced to shut down its operations in Niger, a consequence of the ruling junta’s order to depart, closing offices and removing foreign staff.This dramatic situation follows accusations from Niger’s leaders that the ICRC supported armed groups, claims the institution strongly denies. The closure impacts millions who depend on humanitarian aid from the ICRC, which has provided assistance in the region since 1990. The primarykeyword, following this secondarykeyword of humanitarian crises and political instability, is now fully unavailable. Although the ICRC is trying to find a solution, tensions remain high. News Directory 3 is keeping a close eye on this volatile situation. Discover what’s next for aid efforts in Niger …
ICRC Closes Niger Offices After Junta Order
Updated June 06, 2025
The International Committee of the Red cross (ICRC) has ceased its operations in Niger, closing its offices and removing foreign staff. This action follows a directive from the ruling junta four months prior, demanding the organization’s departure.
The ICRC confirmed the closure in a statement, expressing a desire to resume humanitarian work. “We reiterate our willingness to maintain constructive dialog with the authorities of Niger with a view to resuming our strictly humanitarian protection and assistance activities,” said Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s regional director for Africa.
niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry initially ordered the ICRC to close its offices in February, without providing an official explanation. The ICRC stated it attempted to clarify the reasons for the decision through dialogue with Niger’s authorities, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.
On May 31, junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani publicly accused the ICRC of meeting with “terrorist leaders” and funding armed groups. The accusations were made on Nigerien state television.
The ICRC refuted these accusations,emphasizing its neutrality and adherence to humanitarian principles.The organization stated that dialogue with all parties in conflict is essential for its mandate and that it “never provides financial, logistical, or any other form of support” to armed groups.
The humanitarian organization had been active in Niger since 1990, providing aid to over 2 million people affected by violence, food insecurity, and natural disasters. The ICRC’s closure impacts a region already struggling with humanitarian crises and political instability.
Niger’s military rulers, who seized power in a coup two years ago, have distanced themselves from Western partners, seeking security assistance from Russia.
what’s next
The ICRC hopes to re-establish a working relationship with Niger’s authorities to continue providing humanitarian aid to those in need. The organization remains committed to its mission of assisting vulnerable populations affected by conflict and disaster.