UN to resume humanitarian flight operations in Niger

The United Nations has said it will resume delivering humanitarian supplies and evacuating staff in Niger after the country's ruling junta lifted domestic flight restrictions.

“The national aviation authorities in Niger have informed the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) that flight restrictions are now lifted for domestic operations, and that services can resume as of tomorrow,” the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday.

It said that the resumption of domestic flight operations will facilitate the monthly delivery of nearly 2.4 metric tonnes of medical supplies and other aid as well as “critical medical and security evacuations for humanitarian staff”.

The UN agency, however, said it expects challenges fuelling its aircraft.

The UN in August said it would continue delivering aid in the West African country, after its leader, President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in August.

However, western powers, including France, the United States and the European Union have cut off aid to the country due to the July coup.

According to the UN, roughly 4.3 million Nigeriens depend on humanitarian aid.