Niger’s ruling military junta has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to leave the country immediately, a source told AFP on Wednesday.

According to the source, Niger has “terminated its agreements” with the ICRC, prompting some foreign staff to begin leaving. The humanitarian organization also closed its office in the capital, Niamey, on Tuesday. Local media reported that the government had ordered the shutdown of Red Cross offices and the immediate departure of foreign personnel, though no official reason was given.

The Red Cross has been operating in Niger since 1990, most recently focusing on assisting victims of ongoing violence by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Since seizing power in a July 2023 coup, the military rulers have emphasized “national sovereignty” and distanced themselves from former colonial power France, strengthening ties with military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as with Russia.

In January, Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba announced tighter government oversight of NGOs, claiming some were aligned with foreign partners supporting terrorism. “Our investigations have indicated there are many NGOs in close association with certain partners that are bringing us war… through their support to the terrorists,” he stated.

This move follows Niger’s November ban on the French humanitarian NGO Acted and local non-profit APBE, revoking their licenses. Acted had been active in Niger since 2009, primarily aiding those displaced by jihadist violence.

Since the coup, Niger’s authorities have expelled both French and US troops involved in counterterrorism efforts, as well as the French ambassador.