Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support democracy in Niger.

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 UK has suspended long-term development assistance to Niger, though we continue to provide critical humanitarian aid. The Foreign Secretary and Minister for Africa are regularly engaging with both regional leaders and international partners to support regionally led mediation efforts and bring about a peaceful resolution in Niger as soon as possible.