Niamey: The military administration in Niger has directed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to shut down its offices and exit the country, as reported by a media outlet.

According to Anadolu Agency, Niger terminated its agreement with the Red Cross through a verbal communication received by the ICRC on Tuesday, as reported by the Air Info news outlet. Nigerien authorities had previously raised concerns in November about the European Union's unilateral provision of humanitarian aid to non-governmental organizations, including the ICRC, citing a lack of transparency and collaboration.

The ICRC reported that approximately 140,000 individuals benefited from its activities in Niger from January to June 2024. Over the past 35 years, the organization claims to have offered primary health care, sanitation, potable water, access to essential services, and animal vaccination in the country.

Nigerien officials have not provided any comments, and no specific reasons have been disclosed for the expulsion of the ICRC. Additionally, the ICRC has not released a formal statement regarding the government's directive.