US formally cuts aid to Niger after July's coup

The US has formally declared that the military in Niger had staged a coup, cutting off more than $500m (£407m) in aid.

In July the army ousted President Mohamed Bazoum - an ally of Western nations in the fight against jihadist insurgents.

Under US law, a formal designation of a coup requires that aid is suspended.

The US state department said assistance to Niger would only be resumed if the coup leaders ushered in a democratic government.

It is understood that Washington will keep its troops in Niger for the time being.

A US official said the troops were no longer actively helping Nigerien forces but would continue to monitor threats from jihadists.

Earlier France began withdrawing its troops.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Image via Semafor.