Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the border closures between Niger and ECOWAS countries on the ability of NGOs to deliver humanitarian assistance to people in (a) Niger and (b) Burkina Faso; and whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in the ECOWAS nations on steps to help ensure this assistance reaches those in need.

The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger. We stand firmly with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for an end to the unacceptable infringement on the democratic rights of the people of Niger. The crisis in Niger and resultant border closures have led to blockages of food, nutrition, and medical humanitarian supplies to Niger. We are not aware that these have had a major impact on aid delivery to Burkina Faso. On 17 August, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator wrote to the President of the ECOWAS Commission asking for unimpeded movement of humanitarian cargo and personnel, and allowing financial transactions for humanitarian operations. ECOWAS has reacted favourably, indicating willingness to allow the transit of humanitarian consignments. The UK welcomes this and continues to monitor the situation to ensure that relief goods can pass into Niger.