Niger bans activities by international organizations in military zones

The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), a junta in power in Niger, has prohibited activities of international organizations, including the UN agencies in military zones, reports say.
“Due to the current security situation and the ongoing implementation of the tasks set by the armed forces of Niger, the Ministry of Internal Affairs informs international organizations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger that their activities and movements in the areas of [military] operations are temporarily suspended,” the Nigerien Ministry of the Interior said in a statement on Thursday August 31.
The CNSP, in power since July 26 after toppling west-backed elected President Mohamed Bazoum, is gearing up against a possible military intervention by the regional organization ECOWAS in view of restoring Bazoum, should diplomatic efforts fail.
The CNSP last week authorized troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to intercede on their side “in the event of aggression”. The government of Burkina Faso Wednesday August 30 heeded the call and green-lighted plans to send military troops. The West African country did not provide details on the size of troops to be sent.