In order to safeguard local supplies, Niger’s military administration has prohibited the export of rice, cereal, and other food items to all nations other than Burkina Faso, which is run by a junta, and Mali.

Legumes like cowpea and cereals like millet, sorghum and maize are prohibited from export, along with rice, since the Sahel region is facing severe food inflation.

The government claimed in a statement late on Wednesday that Junta chairman Abdourahamane Tiani took the action “to protect the supply of the internal market” and “make the goods of mass consumption accessible.”

The statement further stated that “these prohibitions do not apply to exports” to Niger’s neighbouring countries, Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which are run by military leaders who seized power in coups.

The seizure of cargo and criminal charges are two possible punishments for violators of the restriction.

Cereals are largely supplied by Niger to the area, particularly to several states in adjacent Nigeria.

Even though the West African group ECOWAS rescinded the sanctions it had put on Niger following the coup in July 2023, they have nonetheless interfered with regular deliveries to Nigerien markets, where prices for goods like rice continue to rise.

The disturbance has also been exacerbated by the border blockade between Niger and Benin.

To replenish the nation’s emergency stockpiles, the minister of agriculture has promised to purchase a portion of farmers’ crops.

Despite significant floods throughout the country of West Africa, the ministry expressed its expectation for “good agricultural harvests.”

According to data from the civil protection service, Niger’s torrential downpours since the beginning of the rainy season have caused floods that have killed 339 people and forced 1.5 million people to flee their homes.

In an effort to assist individuals impacted by the floods in rebuilding their homes, the Niamey authorities declared this week that they would be cutting the price of cement by thirty-five percent.

Scientists have long warned that emissions of fossil fuels are causing climate change, which is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events like floods.