Working with Civil Society in Authoritarian Contexts? The Case of Niger

Through a policy paper, Megatrends Africa - a collaboration between German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), German Institute of Development and Sustainability (SWP) Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IFW) - examines the challenging position Western policymakers find themselves in due to the recent wave of coups in the Sahel. While seeking to maintain diplomatic relations and vie for influence, they also want to avoid strengthening unconstitutional rule. Collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) who are supposedly closer to citizens, is currently discussed as a way out of the dilemma. However, research on civil society and foreign aid in Africa reveals that, especially in authoritarian contexts, the lines between CSOs and the state are often blurred. The example of Niger shows that civil society is highly politicised. Its relationship with the state is dynamic and rapidly changing. If Western policy makers wish to collaborate with CSOs, they need to have up-to-date knowledge about local CSO landscapes, flexible funding instruments and a clearly defined strategy that entails risk mitigation measures while embedding CSO support in a concerted political approach.