Apprehensions are growing in Niger regarding the timely payment of civil servant salaries as the end of August draws near. Since the coup d’état on July 26th, 2023, in Niamey, the economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the international community have taken a toll on the country’s financial resources.
Nearly a month after the July 26th, 2023 coup, the enduring impact of economic sanctions on Niger remains significant. Now, these sanctions are raising concerns about the livelihoods of civil servants, whose salaries are traditionally disbursed around the 25th of each month. Given the nation’s economic predicament, there is mounting apprehension about the possibility of timely salary disbursement.
Djibril Idrissa, Secretary-General of the Democratic Confederation of Workers of Niger, shared his worries with RFI, stating, “We are worried.” This unease stems from the fact that last month, 70,000 contractual teachers did not receive their pay.
For August, an inside source revealed that “the salaries of civil servants have been held within the computer system”. This source went on to acknowledge uncertainty regarding whether these salaries could indeed be disbursed.
Niger’s internal revenues remain strikingly low, intensifying concerns. A well-placed insider mentioned that the nation’s domestic earnings for this month are notably minimal. The closure of borders has resulted in nearly zero customs revenue, as reported by RFI’s source. Furthermore, it is noted that “taxes and duties will fall short of covering the salary costs.”
Even before the coup, the country struggled to meet its targeted fiscal revenues. From February to April of this year, the state achieved only 90% of its revenue objectives.
For the coup leaders, ensuring salary disbursement holds pivotal importance, emphasized our source. It is deemed an indispensable prerequisite for “maintaining internal stability” within the nation.