The military junta in Niger has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to cease operations and leave the country immediately. The directive was communicated to the ICRC on February 4, 2025, without any official explanation.
The ICRC, which has been active in Niger since 1990, provides essential services such as healthcare, sanitation, and access to clean water. In the first half of 2024 alone, the organization delivered healthcare to over 120,000 victims of armed conflict.
This expulsion occurs amid a challenging humanitarian situation in Niger, where approximately 3.3 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity. The departure of the ICRC raises concerns about the potential exacerbation of the country’s humanitarian crisis. 
The junta, which seized power in a coup in July 2023, has emphasized national sovereignty and previously expelled foreign military forces. In January 2025, Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba announced measures to monitor and supervise NGOs, alleging that some were collaborating with entities hostile to the regime.
The ICRC has not yet issued a public statement regarding the expulsion. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the critical role the organization plays in providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
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