Title: Niger launches a solidarity fund to deal with the economic crisis
Introduction :
Since the announcement of a revised and sharply reduced budget in Niger, the government has decided to take measures to deal with the economic crisis hitting the country. The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) has launched a “solidarity fund for the safeguarding of the homeland” in order to collect funds. In this article, we present to you the different levies put in place and the essential role of diasporas in this quest for solidarity.
Levies on hydrocarbons and businesses:
According to a press release from the CNSP, the solidarity fund will be funded by levies on hydrocarbons and royalties from telecommunications operators licensed in the country. These measures aim to capture additional financial resources to compensate for the reduction in the state budget and finance priority expenditure.
Levies on land transport:
A levy of 10 CFA francs (around 1 euro cent) per land transport ticket, like road tolls, will also be introduced to contribute to the solidarity fund. This measure aims to mobilize public transport users to participate in the national effort to safeguard the homeland.
The contribution of businesses and development programs:
In addition to levies on hydrocarbons and land transport, businesses, NGOs and development programs will also be asked to contribute to the solidarity fund. This measure will make it possible to mobilize the country’s economic players and share the burden of the financial effort between all players in society.
The call for help from the diasporas:
Faced with the economic crisis, the CNSP also launched an appeal for aid to the Nigerien diasporas. Significant donations have already been received, notably from the diaspora living in Togo who gave a donation of 100 million CFA francs (around 150,000 euros) and from the diaspora in Dubai with a donation of 10 million CFA francs. These contributions from the diaspora are essential to supporting the Nigerien economy and demonstrate national solidarity despite the distance.
Conclusion :
Niger is facing a significant economic crisis and the government is taking measures to try to remedy it. The launch of the solidarity fund for the protection of the homeland and the various levies put in place demonstrate the desire to mobilize all available resources to deal with this crisis. The call for solidarity from the Nigerien diasporas is also a key element of this approach. Let us hope that these initiatives will allow the country to overcome this crisis and return to the path to prosperity.