Nigerien rebels suspend activities of international organizations in ‘zones of operations’

The interior ministry of Niger’s rebel-formed transitional government has ordered that operations of international agencies and non-governmental organizations be suspended in "zones of operations," Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

"Due to the current security situation and operational commitment of the Nigerien armed forces, the ministry informs international organizations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger that all activities and or movements in the zones of operations are temporarily suspended," AFP quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.

In late July, a group of military rebels in Niger announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. They then established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP), headed by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, to run the country. Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded that the rebels in Niger, which is a member of this organization, release Bazoum and warmed about a military resolution of the situation if he is not released. Apart from that, the ECOWAS imposed tough sanctions on Niger.
According to the ActuNiger news portal, Tchiani signed a decree to form a transitional government on August 10. The rebel-formed cabinet comprises 20 ministers, selected from the military and civilian circles.