Niger Junta Struggles As Jihadist Threat Grows

Less than two years after taking power, Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, is struggling to stop rising jihadist violence. He had promised to bring security after the 2023 coup, but attacks by al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and Islamic State fighters have increased. In May, about 100 soldiers were killed in two attacks near Mali and Benin. [...]

Struggles Of Women In Conflict-Hit Niger

In Abala and Tillabery, Niger, most people rely on farming, herding, and trade. But violence and insecurity have made these jobs dangerous. The government’s rules, like closing markets and banning motorcycles, have made things even harder. Women, already facing limits on their freedom and land rights, have lost many small ways they used to earn [...]

Niger’s Language Shift: A Bold Move With Big Challenges For Education

In March 2025, Niger changed its official language from French to Hausa. This move was part of a larger effort to break from its colonial past and build national pride. Only 13% of Nigeriens speak French, while nearly half speak Hausa, making the change popular among many citizens. However, this sudden shift brings major challenges [...]

Deadly Attack On Niger Army Base Near Mali Border

On June 19, more than 200 armed men on motorbikes attacked a Niger army base in Banibangou, near the Mali border, killing at least 34 soldiers and injuring 14 others. Niger’s defense ministry called the attackers “mercenaries” and said troops killed dozens of them in return. The army is still searching for the attackers. This [...]

Niger Army Hits Jihadist Gold Mines

Niger’s army raided illegal mining sites in the west of the country, killing 13 jihadist fighters and arresting one. These sites were under the control of terrorist groups and were being used to fund attacks. The army also found materials for making bombs. The raids happened near the border with Burkina Faso. Niger, like Mali [...]

Niger: Activist Detained For Criticizing Government

Moussa Tiangari, a prominent human rights defender and secretary general of Citizens Alternative Spaces (AEC), was arrested on December 3, 2024, in Niamey, Niger, and charged with terrorism-related offenses including, “criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist enterprise” and “plotting against the authority of the state.” If convicted, he could face the death penalty or [...]

Flood Exposes Bridge Failures In Niger

A deadly flood in Niger State has exposed the dangers of poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage. After a heavy downpour, a bridge along the Lapai-Gulu Road near Duma village collapsed, sweeping away a Hilux vehicle carrying Rev. Fr. James Omeh and worshipper Charity John. Both were later found dead by local volunteers. The road, which [...]

Unlawful Detentions Persist Amid Niger’s Fragile Transition

Following Niger’s July 2023 coup, the military junta wrongfully detained dozens of people, including former officials, activists, and journalists. Many were arrested without due process, denied fair trials, and held in secret or high-security prisons under fabricated charges like “threatening state security.” Civilians were unjustly brought before military courts. Former President Mohamed Bazoum and his [...]

Rising Insecurity As Kidnappings Escalate In Niger

In 2025, Niger has witnessed a concerning surge in kidnappings, particularly targeting foreign nationals and humanitarian workers. In January, an Austrian aid worker was abducted in Agadez, followed by a Swiss-Nigerian woman in April, both taken from their homes by armed assailants. Additionally, two Chinese employees of the China National Petroleum Corporation were kidnapped in [...]

Niger Junta Releases Over 50 Detainees In Reconciliation Effort

Niger's junta has released over 50 detainees, including former ministers of defense, oil, and finance, as well as senior army officers, following recommendations from a February national conference. Among those freed are former ministers Mahamane Sani Issoufou, Kalla Moutari, Ahmat Jidoud, and Ibrahim Yacoubou, along with a diplomat, journalist, and soldiers previously convicted for attempting [...]

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