Canada suspending direct aid to Niger’s government after military coup

Ottawa has announced it will stop providing financial assistance to Niger’s government in the wake of a military coup in the West African country.

Leaders of the military junta are facing a Sunday deadline from the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, to reinstate democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum or face possible foreign intervention.

Global Affairs Canada says in a statement that the coup is a serious threat to democracy and stability in the region.

It says the Canadian government is suspending all direct funding to Niger’s government, but other assistance to vulnerable populations will continue.