Media CenterAmid Niger Crisis, CRS Calls for International Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Nikki Gamer
Catholic Relief Services
[email protected]
(978) 884-0003

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, Sept. 11, 2023 – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) issued the following statement in response to Niger’s ongoing political unrest:

“The needs of the people of Niger – already significant before the political crisis – are substantial. Investments in economic development, education, peacebuilding and lifesaving assistance are necessary to avert an even greater humanitarian crisis and continue progress.  Any international actions in response to the crisis must consider the needs of the most vulnerable and ensure that those actions do no harm.”   

The uncertain dynamics of the political crisis have introduced yet an additional layer of complexity to the tremendous challenges Niger is already facing. Niger's political landscape has caused some donors to reconsider their investments in development and humanitarian assistance. Such thinking is shortsighted. Suspending aid precipitously at this time of crisis will only exacerbate an already extremely precarious situation. As one of the largest and longest-serving international development and humanitarian organizations in Niger, CRS believes that any reduction in assistance would be devastating and would reverse years of progress in the development sector. 

Fostering social cohesion and peacebuilding is needed now more than ever, as the people of Niger face growing violence and insecurity. It is in these moments of uncertainty and crisis that we must strengthen our resolve, focusing on nurturing unity and understanding among communities. To echo the sentiments of the bishops of West Africa, ‘Peace is a precious gift that we must cultivate and preserve together. It's like a common mat that we have to weave together, each bringing his thread.’  

Our aim at CRS remains clear: To ensure continued, long-term support and solidarity with our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in Niger during this time of tremendous need.”

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Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For more information, visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org and follow Catholic Relief Services on social media in English at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube; and in Spanish at: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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