Niger’s government has expelled the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from the country, ending 35 years of humanitarian work, according to an ICRC press release. The African country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered the organization to close offices and remove foreign personnel on January 31, 2025, via a private verbal note. The government publicly announced the expulsion on May 31, accusing the Red Cross of “collusion” with armed groups.
Niger struggles with a humanitarian crisis caused by armed conflict, food insecurity, and weather events. The country also deals with security challenges from armed groups operating across its borders with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
The ICRC helped over two million people across Niger in 2024, working in Diffa, Tahoua, Tillabéri, and Agadez regions. The organization leadership insists on following humanitarian protocols without providing support to armed groups. At the same time, the Red Cross says dialogue with all conflict parties helps protect civilians and deliver aid, allowing humanitarian workers to negotiate safe passage in conflict zones while maintaining neutrality.
Despite the expulsion, ICRC leadership continues seeking dialogue with Niger’s authorities and remains ready to resume operations if permitted. The suspension leaves a gap in aid delivery for millions of Niger’s people during the crisis.
