Until the coup in the Niger in 2023, Germany and the Niger had extensive bilateral cooperation in the spheres of stabilisation, security and development. In addition to this, there were numerous high-ranking contacts at Head of Government level as well as between government ministers. In coordination with international partners, most of these activities were suspended or made subject to political provisos in response to the illegal change of government in the Niger in contravention of the country’s constitution. In particular, humanitarian assistance and transitional development assistance were excepted from this.

Since 1962, bilateral development cooperation has amounted to more than one billion euro and has been channelled, among other spheres, into education, healthcare, agriculture and administrative reform. The German Government is currently examining which development policy measures can continue to be financed in the Niger.

Germany supported the Niger’s security sector in particular through the German Government’s Enable and Enhance Initiative. Between 2016 and 2024, the German Government had an air transport base at Niamey airport which was used in particular to supply the German contingent within the framework of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). As part of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, Germany was involved in the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM) and the EU Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger). Both missions had to be terminated in December 2023 at the request of the Niger.