The Central Bank of West African States has announced the closure of its branches in Niger until further notice, according to a bank communique.
"Due to the presence of exceptional risks for the smooth operation of the main and auxiliary branches of the Central Bank of West African States in Niger will remain closed until a new notification," the Dakar-based financial institute's document said.
The reason for the closure of the bank's branches was the military mutiny committed in Niger, as a result of which President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power.
At the end of last week, members of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) condemned the coup in Niger and gave the rebels a week to restore constitutional rule, threatening otherwise to take measures, including the use of force.
Along with the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the European Union and several individual countries have suspended financial support and cooperation with Niger. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Washington was halting certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger.
On Monday, the German government likewise decided to suspend financial aid to Niger following the decision of the United Kingdom to discontinue long-term development assistance to the West African state.
Russia, in turn, reproached ending the assistance to Niger by the Western countries. On Thursday, Russian First Deputy Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky noted that the West does not take into consideration the needs of the population in developing countries, in keeping with their unchanged colonial nature and habit of using aid as a control tool.
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader and the president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).