Title: Niger’s Food Crisis Deepens as Economic Sanctions Take Toll
Subtitle: Widowed mother-of-seven struggles to keep food stall afloat amidst rising prices
Date: [Insert Date]
By Catherine Byaruhanga, BBC News
Niamey, Niger – Zara Kada, a widowed mother-of-seven, is facing an uncertain future as her small food stall in Niger’s capital, Niamey, struggles to survive amidst soaring food prices. The recent military coup in the country has led to economic sanctions, causing food prices to skyrocket and threatening the livelihoods of many like Kada.
Kada, who serves rice, fish, and vegetables in plastic bowls to her customers, has seen the price of rice and cooking oil increase significantly in just one week. “It’s an increase of 2,500F CFA ($4: £3),” she says, expressing her concerns about the impact on her business. “This causes us problems because if I prepare the rice and I can’t sell it, there will be no profits, only losses.”
Niger’s army deposed the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, two weeks ago, drawing widespread international condemnation. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is determined to prevent another military takeover in the region, which has seen six coups in the past three years.
“We are drawing the line in the sand,” says Ecowas security chief Abdel Fatau Musah. “There is a contagion, and if we do not determinedly stop what has happened there, then which country is next?”
In response, Ecowas has imposed financial sanctions, cut off electricity supplies, and closed land borders, blocking crucial imports. Regional heads of state have also ordered the activation of a standby military force, ready to invade Niger if the military continues to hold power.
However, the threat of military intervention has sparked anger on the streets of Niamey. Self-defense units have been set up in response to the Ecowas announcement, with members vowing to protect their country from what they perceive as “Ecowas mercenaries.”
While businesses like Kada’s have suffered due to the coup, others have seen an increase in demand. Ibrahim Souleymane, a tailor, has experienced a surge in customers seeking Russian flags to show support for the military. The coup has unleashed widespread anti-French sentiment, with many accusing Paris of undue influence and unfair exploitation of Niger’s resources.
France, which has lost public goodwill in many Francophone countries, is now backing the unpopular intervention by Ecowas in Niger. On social media networks, regional heads of state face accusations of working in the interests of Western powers.
The likelihood of Ecowas carrying out its threat to use force remains uncertain. Marie-Roger Biloa, a West Africa analyst, believes the military option will prove delicate, with many voices opposing it. Former prime ministers and dignitaries of Niger have urged against a military attack, citing the potential harm to the population.
However, Biloa emphasizes the need for regional leaders to find a solution to prevent further coups on the continent. African governments are struggling to meet the needs of their young, jobless populations, creating an environment where military elites can exploit the weaknesses of civilian authorities to seize power.
As the crisis unfolds, Kada remains worried about the future of her country. “Conflicts like this one, we just know how it starts but the end, we don’t know,” she says, highlighting the uncertainty and potential dangers that lie ahead.
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How are economic sanctions impacting the ability of Niger’s ordinary citizens, like Kada, to afford basic necessities?
To defy calls for a return to civilian rule.
The impact of these sanctions is already being felt by ordinary citizens like Kada. With the closure of land borders, the cost of imported goods has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for her to afford the ingredients she needs for her food stall. As a result, she is left with no choice but to raise her prices, which in turn deters customers who are struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s a vicious cycle,” says Kada. “I can’t afford to lower my prices because I will be operating at a loss, but if I keep them high, people won’t be able to afford to eat.”
Kada’s story is not unique in Niger. The country was already facing a severe food crisis before the military coup, with more than two million people in need of immediate assistance. Now, with the additional economic sanctions, the situation has only worsened.
Humanitarian organizations are warning of a potential famine if urgent action is not taken. Food prices are expected to continue rising, leaving millions of Nigeriens at risk of starvation. The closure of land borders has also disrupted the supply chain, making it even harder for relief organizations to bring in much-needed aid.
“The international community must step in and provide assistance,” says Fatoumata Diallo, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme in Niger. “We cannot sit idly by while people starve.”
As Kada continues to struggle to keep her food stall afloat, she remains hopeful that the situation will improve. “I have seven children to feed,” she says. “I can’t give up. I have to find a way to survive.” But with each passing day, the challenges become greater, and the future becomes more uncertain.
Niger’s food crisis is deepening, and it is the ordinary people like Kada who are bearing the brunt of it. As the international community watches, the question remains: how long can they afford to wait before taking decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerien people?
