“It’s politics. We just have to watch and wait.” is what we keep hearing from friends in Niger as they witness yet another coup d’état threaten to destabilize the nation. On July 26 soldiers detained Niger’s President in the presidential palace and declared that they had seized power. The union of West African Nations ECOWAS has placed heavy sanctions on Niger and threatened to respond with force if the military does not restore the President ´ to power. Air and land borders are closed and the majority of expats have evacuated from the country. The situation is very tense. Our family and friends, already living in one of the poorest countries in the world, face an extremely challenging season ahead. Civil war could emerge at any moment and even if it is avoided, the instability caused by the coup makes the population even more vulnerable to terrorist attacks from groups like Boko Haram. Tuaregs also face ethnic discrimination as President Bazoum is a light-skinned Arab and when he was first elected Tuaregs were threatened due to the colour of their skin. Because of this, many Tuaregs have already fled north for their safety. Economic sanctions and closed borders have made prices triple (the cost of rice went up 40% in 3 days) and lack of foreign aid, which makes up 40% of the national budget, will have detrimental impacts on the economy. Electricity and water cuts have made conditions almost unlivable in the extreme heat. We all dream of a world where everyone has the right to live in safety and peace in their home country. Unfortunately, that is not the world we live in and when that right is violated people are faced with the difficult decision to flee. Due to all the uncertainty Niger is facing, we need funds to open up options for our community. In the case of civil war funds will be used to evacuate and resettle people somewhere safe. If the country remains relatively stable funds will be used to provide necessities to over 30 individuals including food and powering a generator to provide electricity and running water. In this case, funds will also be used to take precautionary measures in case it becomes necessary to flee. Please help us extend this lifeline to friends and family in Niger. Kerrianne Ibsen https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66339528 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/08/niger-coup-wagner-islamist-extremism-france-united-states/ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66405253.amp https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66339528
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