The consequences of the coup in Niger are beginning to be felt, and it is the citizens who are suffering the first consequences. Indeed, since the entry into force of the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on July 30, 2023, the population of Niger has had to face an increase in food prices and even a shortage of certain basic necessities.
Due to the blockade on exports and imports, access to food products is becoming increasingly difficult for Nigeriens. The prices of basic foodstuffs, such as rice and pasta, continue to rise. In the capital, Niamey, there is an increase of nearly 2,000 CFA francs in a few days for a 25-kilo bag of rice. In other regions of the country, certain products are completely disappearing from the shelves, in particular potatoes, tomatoes or even parsley, which are generally imported from Nigeria and Benin.
This strong dependence on neighboring countries is becoming a source of concern for Nigeriens, who are resigned to stocking up on food in anticipation of difficult weeks. The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS have also led to the suspension of World Bank disbursements to Niger, which represents a considerable shortfall for the country. In addition, several European countries have suspended their development aid programs, which adds additional pressure on the Nigerien economy.
As Niger is heavily dependent on international aid, these sanctions could have serious consequences for the country’s population and economy. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), bilateral aid represented in 2021 nearly 1.8 billion dollars, or a quarter of Niger’s public expenditure.
Faced with this situation, Nigeriens must show resilience and solidarity to face the crisis. National authorities and international organizations must also act quickly to mitigate the adverse effects of these sanctions on the population. The search for alternative solutions and the strengthening of national production capacities could be avenues to explore in order to guarantee access to basic food products at affordable prices.
In conclusion, the consequences of the coup in Niger are already being felt with an increase in food prices and a shortage of certain basic necessities. The population of Niger, already facing many challenges, must now face this new crisis which directly impacts its food security. It is therefore urgent to find lasting solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of these sanctions and guarantee the well-being of Nigerien citizens