On Tuesday, Niger’s military government revoked the operating license of the French humanitarian NGO Acted amid rising tensions with France, its former colonial power.
Acted, which has been active in Niger since 2009, has focused on supporting displaced populations affected by ongoing jihadist violence. The Interior Ministry announced the license withdrawal for Acted, effective immediately, without providing a specific reason. The Nigerien non-profit APBE also had its license revoked.
Prominent pro-government influencer Ibrahim Bana commented on social media, saying, “Niger’s march towards national sovereignty is in full swing!”
Since coming to power in a July 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders have distanced themselves from France, aligning instead with military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and developing ties with Russia.
Following the coup, Niger’s authorities expelled both French troops who were assisting in the regional fight against jihadist threats and the French ambassador.
