Niger’s junta has made accusations against France, their former colonial ruler, alleging that France has intentions of intervening militarily to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a statement broadcast on national TV, the junta accused France of planning a strike on them with the assistance of some officials from the deposed government.
Last week, soldiers in Niger announced a coup on national TV, declaring the dissolution of the constitution, suspension of all institutions, and the closure of all borders.
The coup received widespread condemnation, including from France, the UN, and the West African regional body Ecowas.
President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained by the junta inside his presidential palace in Niamey, and the junta has previously warned against any foreign attempts to extract him.
Chad’s transitional President, Mahamat Idriss Deby, held talks with the Niger junta leader and Mr. Bazoum on Sunday in an effort to help resolve the political crisis in Niger.
In the aftermath of the democratically elected president was overthrown in coups, Niger joined other African nations that currently have military administrations.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and other West African countries like Chad all have military governments.
Up until late in the evening, when 10 soldiers appeared on television and declared that president Mohamed Bazoum had been overthrown, there remained ambiguity after a group of Nigerian troops began what appeared to be a coup.
Later on Thursday, a general by the name of Omar Tchiani, also known as Abdourahmane Tchiani, was chosen to lead the new junta.
Here are five things we know about him – Courtesy the BBC
a. Gen Tchiani, 62, has been at the helm of the presidential guard since 2011
b. The 700-strong force was established by the ousted president’s predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou to guard against military takeovers
c. He was linked a 2015 coup attempt against Mr Issoufou. A subsequent court case in 2018 cleared him of involvement
d. He was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by Mr Issoufou
e. Before the military takeover, President Bazoum had planned on removing the general as part of changes he had been making to the security forces, Niger’s private L’Enqueteur newspaper reports.
On July 30, in Abuja, Nigeria, an extraordinary meeting of West African leaders was convened under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc.
The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent coup in Niger, which resulted in the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and the assumption of power by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani-led junta.
After the meeting concluded, a series of sanctions were imposed on the country, which includes:
1. Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger;
2. Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger;
3. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger;
4. Freeze of all service transaction including utility services;
5. Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks;
6. Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks;
7. Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD;
8. Travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials;
9. Calls on WAEMU and all other regional bodies to implement this decision.
Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the current Chairperson of ECOWAS having been elected barely a month ago.
The EU has suspended all security cooperation with Niger after the country’s army took power in a coup.
It comes shortly after the US declared its “unflagging support” for ousted president Mohamed Bazoum – seen as a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants.
On Friday the head of the presidential guards unit Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself Niger’s new leader.
He said insecurity, economic woes and corruption led him to seize power.
But there are now concerns in the West about which countries the new leader will align with.
Niger’s neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, have both pivoted towards Russia since their own coups.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell joined the US and France in refusing to recognise the coup leaders and said security cooperation and budgetary aid was being suspended indefinitely.
Also on Saturday the African Union called on the Niger army to return to base within 15 days.
Mohamed Bazoum – Niger’s first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960 – is currently thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards.
On Friday evening US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned those detaining him that “hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance” was at risk.
However, the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has reportedly described the coup as a triumph.
“What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers,” Yevgeny Prigozhin was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel.
“With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago.”
He added: “Today this is effectively gaining their independence.”
The BBC has not been able to verify the authenticity of his reported comments.
Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters in countries including the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where it has lucrative business interests but also bolsters Russia’s diplomatic and economic relations.
Wagner fighters have been accused of widespread human rights abuses in several African countries.
Gen Tchiani, 62, has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011 and was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by former President Issoufou.
He had also been linked to a 2015 coup attempt against the ex-president, but appeared in court to deny it.
On Friday Gen Tchiani said his junta took over because of problems in Niger including insecurity, economic woes and corruption.
He also addressed Niger’s global allies, saying the junta would respect all of the country’s international commitments, as well as human rights.
But the junta has had strong words for those who oppose them, accusing members of the ousted government who have taken refuge in foreign embassies of plotting against them.
They said any such attempt would lead to bloodshed, which has so far been avoided.
Life in the capital Niamey has largely returned to normal with markets and shops open, but civil servants have been told to go home.
Meanwhile Nigeriens have mixed feelings about the coup, with some saying insecurity in the country wasn’t severe enough to justify a coup. But others have supported the junta.
Niger’s coup is the latest in a wave of military takeovers that have hit the West African region in recent years, toppling governments in countries including Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
It also comes as a big blow to the leadership of regional body ECOWAS. Just two weeks ago, the bloc’s chairman, President Bola Tinubu, warned that terrorism and the emerging pattern of coups in West Africa had reached alarming levels and demanded urgent, concerted actions.
This is the fifth coup in Niger since it gained independence from France in 1960, on top of other unsuccessful takeover attempts.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, praised the recent military coup in Niger as wonderful news and offered the help of his men to restore order to the area.
A audio message purportedly sent by Prigozhin on Telegram channels connected to Wagner denied his involvement in the coup but hailed it as a long-overdue moment of independence from Western colonisers.
“What happened in Niger was nothing more than the struggle of the Niger people against their colonisers,” said one observer. The statement was uploaded on Thursday night. It said, “With colonisers who are trying to impose their way of life and conditions on them and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago.”
Today, they are acquiring freedom in this manner. ‘They have gotten rid of the colonisers,’ he continued. “The rest will undoubtedly depend on the people of Niger and how efficient administration will be.
The leader of Wagner, who attempted to overthrow Vladimir Putin last month but was unsuccessful, is still active today and is believed to be operating his organisation from exile in Belarus.
At this week’s Russia-Africa meeting in St. Petersburg, he was seen shaking hands with a representative from the Central African Republic (CAR), suggesting that he still has some formal ties to the Kremlin.
After claiming to have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum in the sixth military coup in West and Central Africa in less than three years, coup leaders in Niger announced General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state on Friday.
The nation, which is among the world’s poorest but has some of the largest uranium deposits, formally declared its independence from erstwhile colonial power France in 1960.
The Wagner organisation is still active in Africa, where they still hold security contracts in various nations, including Mali, Libya, Sudan, and the CAR. The most recent indication of this is Prigozhin’s voicemail.
For Western nations, including as France and the US, Wagner’s activities in Africa continue to be of concern. Although Prigozhin has asserted the group operates legally, Washington has accused it of perpetrating crimes and slapped sanctions on it.
In his voicemail, Prigozhin bragged about how effective Wagner was at stabilising and developing African countries, and in a video that was made public earlier this month, Prigozhin was heard ordering his soldiers in Belarus to prepare their energies for a “new journey to Africa.”
On Friday night, Prigozhin praised the success of the Africa summit in remarks made to the Cameroonian-based Afrique Media programme. He praised Putin for developing what he called trust-based one-on-one working ties with African leaders.
According to a transcript that was published on Wagner Telegram channels, he claimed that “Russia today offers both…economic relations and security exports, without which Africa today cannot exist.”
Mali, CAR, and Niger were mentioned as nations becoming “more and more independent” and he concluded, “The forum went well and we should see the results of it in the near future.”
The restoration of constitutional order in Niger, according to Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, was stated on Thursday.
The Prigozhin visits, according to analysts, showed that Wagner will continue to support the Kremlin’s foreign policy objectives in Africa and were intended to reassure African allies following the turmoil of the unsuccessful mercenary rebellion inside Russia.
Catrina Doxsee, a specialist at the American CSIS think tank, commented on messaging platform X, “Yes, it’s wild that Prigozhin is back in Russia, and apparently has been several times.”
But projecting normalcy and business as usual is also consistent with Wagner’s and Russia’s objectives.
On Friday, President William Ruto of Kenya joined global leaders in condemning the coup orchestrated by the Nigerien presidential guards and called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Speaking from Mombasa State House in a brief video message, the Kenyan leader expressed disapproval of the actions taken by the West African nation’s guards to overthrow a democratically elected government, undermining the will of the people. Notably, the guards have received support from the country’s army while still holding President Bazoum in detention.
President Ruto extended Kenya’s offer of assistance in resolving the conflict. The elite guard has effectively barricaded access to President Bazoum’s residence and offices in the capital city of Niamey. These actions came after negotiations with representatives from the regional bloc Ecowas failed. Additionally, the guards have imposed closures on the country’s airspace and borders.
“The resurgence of military coups and attempts to subvert the will of the people on our beloved continent demands a united and global response to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” said President Ruto.
“The Republic of Kenya joins the rest of the world to condemn in the strongest terms this unconstitutional act that subverts democracy through a Coup d’etat and calls for the immediate release of President Mohammed Bazoum who is reportedly seized by members of the presidential guard,” demanded Ruto.
He extended an olive branch to help find lasting peace.
“Kenya is willing to assist in resolving the conflict under the auspices of the AU should it be deemed appropriate. Africa continues to shine as a beckon of hope and progress and we shall never waive in our pursuit of a brighter future for all,” he committed.
The coup in Niger is the latest manifestation of a troubling trend in West Africa. Over the past two years, elected presidents in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have also been overthrown in separate incidents. In response, the African Union has followed its customary practice of suspending these countries. Sudan has also faced turmoil, with a recent outbreak of war following the overthrow of a transitional civilian government in October 2021. This was followed by a split in security forces regarding the country’s transition.
Kenya’s leader acknowledges that Niger’s incident adds to Africa’s setback in its democratic progress, as the aspirations for democratic governance by its people were undermined by a change of government through unconstitutional means.
Throughout the continent’s history, efforts have been made to uphold democratic principles and align with the African people’s desire for freedom and self-determination, as expressed by Ruto, the Kenyan leader.
The African Union has had a policy since 2007 to denounce unconstitutional changes in government, leading to the immediate suspension of countries where such actions occur, whether by the military or politicians taking control illegally. However, critics argue that the prevalence of coups may also be influenced by external interference from world powers and the failure to establish strong and trustworthy institutions that can safeguard the interests of the people.
As emphasized by Ruto, the African Union’s fundamental norm is enshrined in Article 4 (p) of the Constitutive Act, which unambiguously condemns and rejects any unconstitutional change of government.
In light of these developments, a swift restoration of constitutional rule is called for, prioritizing the protection of the population and the re-establishment of full civilian authority, while also respecting the country’s institutions to the utmost.
France is accused of disobeying laws preventingtravelers from entering or departing the nation, according to the military commander who led the coup that ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.
It comes in response to Communiqué Number 3’s directive to close all land and air borders, which was given on July 26.
Colonel-major Amadou Abdramane announced: “It has been noted that the French partner is bypassing this by landing an A401 military aircraft at Niamey international airport [Thursday morning] at 06:30.”
“The CNSP calls once and for all for strict compliance with the provisions of communiqué number 3.”
On Thursday, the army gave its support to the coup leaders who have been holding President Mohamed Bazoum in Niamey.
It comes as supporters of the coup gathered in Niamey to call for the departure of what they called “foreign forces” an military leaders called for calm after incidents during demonstrations by its supporters.
Some protesters waved Russian flags and called for strengthened ties with Mali and Burkina Faso.
One demonstrator, Anas Djibril, said: “The foreign forces that are with us, the foreign bases, the people who are squandering must leave us. Niger alone.
“Our army is an army of reference that made Niger proud in the first Gulf War, that made Niger proud in the first rebellion, the second rebellion and in the sub-region everywhere we are a pride. This army is a source of pride.”
Another protester, Hama Maiga, added: “We want them to improve cooperation ties with Mali and Burkina, with whom we share the same common enemy, to combat the terrorism raging in the Sahel.”
As crowds took to the streets – some people burning French flags – the coup leaders announced “the suspension of political party activities until further notice”.
Earlier, President Bazoum had rejected the coup. “The hard-won gains will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it,” he declared on Twitter.
In a press release, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it “demands the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains the legitimate and legal President of Niger recognised by ECOWAS.”
In response to coup supporters setting fire to the ousted president‘s party headquarters, Niger’s new ruling junta has issued a ban on all public demonstrations.
During a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, a small group of arsonists broke away and attacked the PNDS Tarraya party headquarters, leading to the police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd, as people were also engaged in stoning and burning cars.
The interior ministry released a statement declaring that public demonstrations, regardless of the motive, will remain prohibited until further notice, with a firm commitment to enforcing the law.
“Public demonstrations for any motive whatsoever remain prohibited until further notice. The state will ensure that the law is enforced,” read a statement by the interior ministry.
“These actions, which were perpetrated by lawless individuals, constitute acts of vandalism and wickedness and will not be tolerated,” it added.
The ministry strongly condemned the actions of the lawless individuals, categorizing them as acts of vandalism and wickedness that will not be tolerated.
Additionally, the ministry called upon the security forces to protect the public and their property in the wake of these incidents.
The Niger population has been informed by mutinous soldiers that a coup is being carried out to remove the president.
Today on official television, the organization—which refers to itself as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CLSP)—made the news.
They asserted that the “defence and security forces” had taken over the country in West Africa as a result of “declining security and poor economic and social governance.”
After president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife were held in the presidential palace, colonel-major Amadou Abdramane advised “external partners” not to interfere.
In Niamey, people gathered outside the structure on the banks of the Niger River to demonstrate against the takeover, but they dispersed shortly.
Other forms of support for the Western-backed leader, however, appear to have persisted, as evidenced by Hassoumi Massoudou, the minister of international affairs, who thinks there is still time to undo the coup.
There was an attempted coup, but of course, we cannot accept it, he told France24. We urge all Nigerien democratic patriots to unite and say “no” to this contentious action that has the potential to reverse decades of national development.
The president should be released without conditions, Mr. Massoudou continued, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.
The Economic Community of West African States’ president of Benin, Patrice Talon, is anticipated to serve as the mediator.
This morning, Mr. Bazoum tweeted, “The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigerians who value freedom and democracy will make sure of it.
Local observers claim that general Tchiani, the president’s intended replacement for the head of the presidential guard, is to blame for the coup.
The national army of the French-speaking nation swore allegiance to the CLSP today, citing the need to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces” as justification.
Since achieving independence from France in 1960, Mr. Bazoum has served as Niger’s first democratically elected president.
The leader is supported by the West because to his actions against Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked jihadists who have taken control of nations in Africa’s Sahel region, which is a transitional area between the Sahara and the Sudanese savanna.
Niger was regarded as one of the few remaining glimmers of stability in a region of the continent infamous for its almost never-ending series of coups.
The widespread consensus is that Niger’s security situation is better than many of its neighbours, despite the fact that it has seen terrorist attacks on civilians and military personnel.
Most African nations, including several in other parts of Africa, have attempted to break their ties to the West but have instead turned to Russia.
In the border region of Mali, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a rich businessman, replaced French forces with fighters from the Russian mercenary organisation Wagner.
Wagner is reportedly gaining ground in Burkina Faso, a country that borders Niger.
A picture of Prigozhin allegedly shaking the hand of a man in a suit who is purported to be an ambassador from the Central African Republic appeared just today.
According to reports, only 17 leaders attended the Russia-Africa conference today in St. Petersburg; this was a humiliating setback for Putin, which the Kremlin attributed to pressure from the West.
The new administration in Niger will worry the West that it may lead to a turn towards Russia.
Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell of the UK stated that his country “condemns in the strongest terms” any effort to undermine the stability and democracy of Niger.
Catherine Colonna, the foreign minister of France, declared that her nation “firmly condemns any attempt to take power by force.”
The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country’s ‘defence and security forces’ have made an attempt to topple President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.
In the nation’s first peaceful transition of power since it earned independence from France in 1960, he is the first democratically elected president.
He enjoys the backing of the West in the struggle against jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
There are worries that the new government would succumb to more extremists and follow the lead of neighbouring nations by turning to Russia.
Both demonstrations in support of the coup and those against it have taken place.
Mr. Bazoum and his ministers exhort the people of Niger to resist and “safeguard democracy.”
Secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has “strongly condemns the unconstitutional change in government” in Niger, according to a statement released by his spokesperson on Wednesday.
The coup was declared on national television by Nigerien soldiers, who claimed to have suspended all institutions, dissolved the constitution, and locked the country’s borders.
In a statement released by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Mr. Guterres said he was “deeply disturbed” by President Mohamed Bazoum’s incarceration and was “concerned for his safety and well-being.”
“The Secretary-General calls for an immediate end to all actions undermining democratic principles in Niger,” Mr Dujarric added.
The announcement of the coup in Niger is a significant setback for the leadership of the West Africa regional bloc, Ecowas, and further exacerbates the constitutional crises in the region.
Over the past three years, military coups have toppled the presidents of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
Similarly, in Niger, the soldiers have pointed to the deteriorating security situation and poor governance as the rationale behind their takeover of the government.
This trend raises questions about potential external influences driving these military coups in the former French colonies.
Just two weeks ago, Ecowas chairman President Bola Tinubu expressed grave concern over the escalating levels of terrorism and the emerging pattern of coups in West Africa. He called for urgent and concerted action to address these issues.
In response to the current situation in Niger, President Tinubu has dispatched the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, to mediate and seek a resolution.
Late on July 26, soldiers in Niger came on national television to announce the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.
10 officials made up the group, and judging by their outfits, they were all affiliated with different parts of the security architecture.
The nine others lined up behind the announcer, Col. Major Amadou Abdramane, who was dressed in a blue uniform.
Aside from announcing Bazoum’s removal, the proclamation also disbanded the country’s institutions, suspended the constitution, and shut down its borders.
Developments earlier in the day:
Soldiers were reportedly barricading the presidential palace and various ministries in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
No bullets were fired during the incident, but the reason for the obstruction was not immediately clear, according to sources from the BBC.
While negotiations to resolve the crisis were taking on, the president was reportedly at home with his family.
There were military personnel all around the home.
Unnamed source: The incident was characterized as a “fit of temper” by the military.
Soldiers in Niger’s capital, Niamey, have reportedly blockaded the presidential palace and several ministries, as reported in various news outlets.
The incident did not involve any shots being fired, but the motive behind the blockade remains uncertain.
President Mohamed Bazoum is currently at his residence with his family, while talks are being held to address the situation.
Though there is speculation about a potential attempt by the presidential guard to seize power, there is no official confirmation at this time.
According to the Africa Press Agency (AFP), military personnel have surrounded President Bazoum’s residence.
One unnamed source has described the incident as a “fit of temper” by the troops. More information and updates are expected to follow as authorities work to de-escalate the situation and restore order.
Information from Niger’s presidency, says that members of the presidential guard attempted to move against President Mohamed Bazoum while threatening to be attacked by the army if they did not back down.
According to the official presidential Twitter account, the presidential guards participated in a “anti-Republican demonstration” on Wednesday and sought “in vain” to rally the assistance of the other security forces.
According to reports, it was clarified that President Bazoum and his family were safe, countering earlier news that security sources claimed he was being held by guards within the presidential palace in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
On Wednesday morning, the presidential palace and adjacent ministries were barricaded by military vehicles, preventing staff from accessing their offices. However, the rest of Niamey remained calm during the situation.
Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris, reporting from Abuja in neighboring Nigeria, mentioned that the army had issued a directive for Bazoum’s loyal troops to intervene and quell what appeared to be a coup attempt. Additionally, there were unconfirmed reports of skirmishes related to the control of the state television station.
After news organizations cited security sources as indicating that the guards were holding Bazoum within the presidential palace in the nation’s capital, Niamey, it was further stated that Bazoum and his family were in good health.
On Wednesday morning, military vehicles had blocked access to the palace and the nearby ministries. According to accounts, employees inside the palace were also unable to enter their offices. However, some parts of Niamey were peaceful.
From Abuja in the neighboring Nigerian city of Bazoum, Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris said that the army had ordered Bazoum’s supporters to go in to put an end to what appeared to be a coup attempt. Additionally, he claimed that there had been unsubstantiated reports of clashes over control of the state television.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chair of the African Union Commission, “strongly” condemned what he dubbed a coup attempt “by members of the military acting in total betrayal of their republican duty” in a statement.
The president of Nigeria and chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Bola Tinubu, stated that he was already in “close consultation” with other regional leaders over the situation.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa,” he said in a statement. “We will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.”
Military takeovers
It remains uncertain why there was a revolt but analysts say rising costs of living and perceptions of government incompetence and corruption may have driven the guards’ move.
“The [attempted] coup fits into a long pattern of inability by the political class to speak to the economic challenges and the security and political instabilities in the country,” Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, professor of peacekeeping practice at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, told Al Jazeera. “That nevertheless, does not justify the attempted coup,” he said.
“Corruption is the big elephant in the room, plus a fight against violent extremists. This is a challenge that almost all West African governments are facing,” he added.
Bazoum was elected president in a 2021 election that was the first democratic transition of power in a state that has witnessed four military coups since independence from France in 1960.
There have been four military takeovers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020.
Those coups were spurred in part by frustrations over authorities’ failure to stem a rebel uprising blighting the Sahel region – which includes Niger – that was once derided as the “coup belt”.
There was also a thwarted coup attempt in Niger in March 2021, when a military unit tried to seize the presidential palace days before Bazoum who had just been elected, was due to be sworn in.
Niger is a key ally to Western powers seeking to support local troops fighting a conflict which took root in Mali in 2012 and has spread to neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso and the southern coastal states.
France moved troops to the country from Mali last year after its relations with the military government there soured – an emerging pattern in former French colonies in the region.
Reports have indicated that soldiers in Niger have surrounded the presidential palace and several ministries in the capital city, Niamey
However, no shots were fired, and the motive behind the blockade remains unclear. It’s uncertain if this is an attempt by the presidential guard to seize power.
President Mohamed Bazoum is said to be in his residence with his family, and negotiations are ongoing, as reported by AFP.
An unnamed source informed the same agency that the soldiers’ action may have been a result of a “fit of temper.”
On Tuesday, the Presidents of Benin, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau paid a visit to their Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, at the Aso Rock Villa.
President Patrice Talon of Benin, Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, and Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau were warmly received by Tinubu at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shortly after, they were led by Tinubu into a private session at his office.
While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed to the public, it takes place just nine days after President Tinubu assumed the Chairmanship of the Authority of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The leaders are expected to engage in discussions regarding security and economic development within the sub-region.
Given the recent occurrences of coups in the region, Tinubu is likely to reiterate his commitment to defending democracy in West Africa.
Guinea-Bissau survived an attempted coup in February 2022, while Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso witnessed the toppling of civilian governments between 2019 and 2022.
In response to “exactions” by armed men in the areas of the Tillabéri region (west), where skirmishes between communities have left several dead, more than 13,000 women and children have evacuated the islands of the Niger River, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Nigerien public radio station Voix du Sahel.
“In Ayorou, it’s desolation (…) More than 13,000 women and children from 46 islands (in the Niger River) have fled the abuses of armed bandits” to take refuge in this town located 200 km from Niamey, according to the radio.
The communes of Dessa and Kandadji, where the site of the country’s first hydroelectric dam is located, “have been facing abuses” committed by “armed bandits” (an expression used in Niger to designate suspected jihadists ) for several days, added the radio.
During the night from Saturday to Sunday, four civilians were killed and another injured in an attack in Dessa, she said.
A dozen parliamentarians from the Tillabéri region went to the three localities on Monday “to provide support and comfort” to the “upset population” and “calm people’s minds”, according to the Voice of the Sahel. One of the deputies, Hassoumi Tahirou Mayaki , described “very bruised populations” by this violence.
According to local sources, “violent clashes” had opposed in late April and early May sedentary Djerma and nomadic Fulani herders in villages and hamlets bordering the Niger River, causing ” several deaths, injuries” and “many displaced” towards Ayorou.
A local journalist explained that these clashes followed “several assassinations” of villagers by suspected jihadists who also steal cattle and “demand taxes”.
Elected officials from Ayorou and Dessa confirmed the clashes, without establishing a precise toll of the victims. “Before the clashes, armed men on motorbikes issued an ultimatum to sedentary people to leave their homes,” said the elected official of Ayorou.
The Nigerien government has not confirmed this community violence in these areas, where cohabitation is generally peaceful. The Tillabéri region, with an area of 100,000 km2, is located in the so-called “three borders” zone between Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Several ethnic groups – Djerma, Fulani, Tuareg and Hausa – live in this region. Niger has launched several large-scale operations there against the jihadists, with the recent support, within the framework of a “combat partnership” , of French soldiers.
A 21-year-old final-year student at Ghana’s University of Cape Coast, Miss Selasi Ama Domi-Kuwornu, has emerged winner of Ms. Geek Africa 2023.
She won herself a certificate, laptop, smartphone, and a cash prize of US$5,000. Ascend Digital also promised to give her a cash price of US$1,000 in addition to a job opportunity in Accra to enable her secure better future.
She would also be sponsored by GITEX Africa to participate in the GITEX Africa Digital Summit, from 31st May to 2nd June 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Summit is aimed at connecting tech titans, governments,SMEs, Start-ups, coders, investors, and academia to accelerate, collaborate and explore new ventures.
The international win for Miss Selasi Ama Domi-Kuwornu didn’t come from an easy side. She was contested by six (6) other young ladies knowledgeable in ICT from Rwanda, Kenya, Benin, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Niger.
All applicants presented a solution that was original, scalable, and feasible within Africa and beyond which seeks to address challenges in Africa using technology.
The project of the girls was judged based on the theme of Transform Africa Summit organized by the Smart Africa Alliance, “Connect, Transform and Innovate” focusing on challenges that are unique to the African continent.
Miss Selasi Ama Domi-Kuwornu presented a project named, “Kasa-Cash”, an offline system that enables illiterates, physically challenged, unserved and underserved communities to be able to effortlessly perform financial services without third-party assistance.
The other young ladies presented IT solutions on ‘femme entrepreneur’ from Niger, ‘Smart Miner Monitoring System’ from Rwanda, ‘Tekeleza to solve water crisis’ from Kenya, ‘Just Live’ from Zambia, ‘Management of solar power generation systems’ from Zimbabwe, and ‘Blood connect’ from Benin.
The win comes after she won the 2019 Ms. Geek Ghana competition when she was a level 100 student of UCC.
She won the competition by beating nine other contestants by receiving ¢10,000, a laptop, internet connection for one year, and assistance to develop her Concept into prototype.
Miss Geek Launched
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation on October 9th, 2019, launched the Ms. Geek Ghana Competition, aimed at empowering girls in the field of ICT.
The sector Minister, Mrs.Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, launching the competition, mentioned that her Ministry is committed to highlighting the role females bring to the tech-sector and will also offer young girls an opportunity to showcase what they have.
“Students of Mamfe Methodist Girls won the International Robotics Competition, and they informed me that they have also developed a solution to the bed-bug infestation in our second cycle institutions. There are probably many more of such hidden talents utilizing technology to solve common everyday challenges,” she added.
In line with this, the Ministry called on all girls between the required age to take up the challenge in order to stand a chance of representing Ghana in subsequent years of the Ms. Geek Africa Competition.
The Minister, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, also called on stakeholders to support the competition to encourage more girls to consider a career in science and technology. The competition will empower young girls by educating them in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“I am encouraging all technology companies, telecommunications companies to partner with us so that we can provide exciting prizes not just to the top 3 finalists but to all the top 10 finalists to encourage, inspire and motivate them to continue innovating.”
About Ms. Geek
The competition seeks to change the attitude of young girls towards the adoption of ICT and also equip them with digital skills, which is in line with the SDG goal 5 objectives of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
The competition is opened to females between the ages of 13 to 25 years to submit a technology-based solution aimed at solving the basic challenges we face in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
Among the objectives is to inspire girls/women across Ghana, every year, to solve challenges in the country using technology.
It also encourages 15 percent of girls/women in Ghana to pursue careers in technology, science, mathematics, and engineering within five years.
It also aims at promoting innovation among 20 percent of Ghanaian Girls in STEM annually; and to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals; ‘Goal 1 – No Poverty, Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, Goal 5 – Gender Equality, Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic, and Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities’.
The sending of troops to Niger has received approval from the German parliament.
A tiny EU mission that was established in December with the goal of assisting the nation in improving its logistics and infrastructure would include 60 German soldiers.
The decision by parliament in Berlin reinforces the continued commitment to a German presence in the Sahel region despite the recent withdrawal from Mali.
Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries and faces the growing threat of violence spilling over from neighbouring Mali where Islamist militants have been gaining ground following the withdrawal of French and other European forces.
The 2023 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup of Nations tournament’s draw placed the Ghana U20 squad, the Black Satellites, in Group A.
On April 17, at the WAFU Zone B headquarters in Abidjan, the draw for the second iteration of the competition took place.
Ghana was placed in Group A after the draw and will compete there alongside the host nation, Ivory Coast, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“Ghana will play Cote D’Ivoire, Burkian Faso, and Niger in the Group A of the WAFU B U-20 Boys Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023.
“The pairings were revealed during the draw on Monday, April 17, 2023, in Abidjan,” the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed in a communique on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo have been drawn into Group B.
The WAFU Zone B Boys championship is slated for Cote D’Ivoire from July 7-21, 2023.
Hundreds of migrants who were turned away by Algeria arrive at Assamaka, the first settlement on the Niger border, every week. More than 4,500 of them are currently stumbling around this little, windswept island.
They can suddenly appear on the horizon in a straight line. The strongest in front, the weakest behind, long lines of silhouettes move through the desert.
Malians, Guineans, Ivorians, Syrians, Bangladeshis… After a 15 km walk in the desert, the expellees discover a new purgatory.
The transit center managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the main intergovernmental organization in this field, is overwhelmed by the influx and only takes in about a third of the deportees.
“When we arrived here, we were told that we are not recognized as IOM migrants and therefore we only have to pay for our transportation back home,” said Abdoul Karim Bambara, an Ivorian.
In Assamaka, the water tanks are empty, the rations insufficient and the shelters too rare, while the temperature sometimes approaches 48 degrees during the day. Thousands of people are crammed against walls or under makeshift tarpaulins to find a spot of shade.
Stripped of all their belongings in Algeria, according to their testimonies, the refouled can neither call their relatives nor pay for the return trip. They are then condemned to survive in this sand prison for an indefinite period of time, often several months.
–“Cattle“–
Some are doctors, students, traders. But around the barbed wire walls of the center, there are no more individuals. Just a crowd rumbling and jostling to scream out their despair, their scabies-infested skins, their infected wounds, their empty bellies and their ingrained traumas. And the end of all humanity. “We have become cattle!” rants Herman, an Ivorian migrant.
“Did you see that!” a man interrupts him, pointing to a handful of sticky rice infested with flies. “Can you eat that? You get sick from that!”.
Away, two groups of hungry people throw stones at each other in a cloud of dust. The brawls are incessant. A few days earlier, the death of a Cameroonian migrant provoked a riot that was dispersed by tear gas. The IOM transit center was attacked and looted by the protesters.
“We are all traumatized. People can’t control themselves, there’s something wrong with their heads, nothing is right here! People are dying!” raged Aboubacar Cherif Cisse, a native of Sierra Leone.
If there was enough to eat people would not fight, but there is no food, so what can they do? If they have nothing, they will fight, just to survive,” assures Mohamed Mambu, delegate of the Sierra Leoneans at the transit center of Arlit.
The 1,500 inhabitants of Assamaka are overwhelmed by this uncontrollable neighborhood. “They are everywhere in the village, near the health center, under the walls,” said François Ibrahim, representative of the local NGO Alarme phone Sahara, which provides first aid to migrants in the desert.
The migrants “steal the animals of the population to slaughter them. It is not because they are the thieves, but when the belly is hungry …” he laments.
– “Unprecedented” –
The number of migrants rejected at the gates of Niger has not stopped increasing since the beginning of the year. A situation “without precedent” according to Doctors Without Borders.
From the Algerian border to Agadez, the regional capital located 350 km away, the transit centers are all clogged. The roads leading further south are under threat from jihadist groups, forcing expensive charter flights to repatriate migrants to their countries of origin.
“The flights are often cancelled (…) But every week there are expulsions,” explains Ousmane Atair, manager of the Arlit transit center for IOM.
Located in northern Niger, the Agadez region pays the price of relative stability. “The Assamaka-Arlit axis is the most secure, which is why all the migratory flows are directed to this side,” emphasizes the mayor of Arlit, Abdourahamane Maouli.
But international aid is mobilized elsewhere by other security and humanitarian crises. IOM’s main donor in the region is the European Union, which funds most of the flights bringing migrants back to their countries of origin.
For Alarme phone Sahara, “the IOM plays a key role in the policy of outsourcing borders on African soil by the European Union states”, anxious to keep the migratory pressure away from the Old Continent.
Since the outbreak of the Libyan crisis in 2011, “Agadez is the last door, and it was necessary to secure the journey of all these asylum seekers. But in reality, it was an airlift to discourage them,” says Tari Dogo, secretary general of the regional council of Agadez, who sums up a feeling widely shared in the region: “The European Union has its share of responsibility in this situation.
An American humanitarian worker, Jeffrey Woodke, who was abducted in Niger more than six years ago and held prisoner by terrorists had been freed.
President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan tweeted on Monday, March 19 2023, that an American humanitarian worker who was abducted in Niger more than six years ago
“I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” Sullivan tweeted.
Jeffery Woodke is now being offered support and transport. He was released outside of Niger in the Mali-Burkina Faso area, the official said.
“We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” a senior administration official told reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him.”
The US government has been working on efforts to secure Woodke’s release for years, relying on both intelligence and military resources, the official said. But ultimately the government of Niger was central to securing his release, the official said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed the release of Woodke at a press conference at the State Department later on Monday.
“As you know, I have no higher priority or focus than bringing home any unjustly detained American, wherever that is in the world,” said Blinken. “We won’t rest until they’re all home and, like Jeffery, reunited with their families.”
Blinken thanked Niger’s government, Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and “all of those who have been working at the department” on Woodke’s case.
Blinken visited Niger earlier this month.
“We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is, for us to secure the release of Americans like my Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” the official said, adding that Niger would be able to share more details about the release.
On his trip, Blinken announced $150 million in new humanitarian aid for the region.
“It will help provide life-saving support to refugees, asylum seekers, and others impacted by conflict and food insecurity in the region,” Blinken said in a statement about the aid which will go to Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Mauritania.
Terror groups linked to al Qaeda and ISIS have been active in Niger for years.
Without saying which specific terrorist group held Woodke, the official pointed to several “intersecting overlapping terrorist networks in that part of West Africa.” The official added that these terrorist networks see “kidnapping and hostage-taking as part of their business model frankly, and as a source of revenue and support.”
The official thanked the government of Niger which was involved in the efforts to secure his release, adding that the US did not pay any ransom to terrorists.
The US did not pay any ransom to terrorists to get Woodke released, the official said.
“There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organizations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organization here,” the official said.
“Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” the official added.
In addition to the release of Woodke, French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted in 2021 in Mali, was freed Monday, according to a tweet by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Dubois was moved to Niger after his release.
“We feel joy and immense relief. Our colleague was held hostage for 711 days in Mali. His captivity was the longest for a French journalist held hostage since the Lebanon war,” a statement by Reporters Without Borders said.
Dubois was kidnapped in the Gao region north of Mali by an al Qaeda-linked group known as the GSIM.
“We thank the French authorities for having implemented the necessary means to obtain his release. It is the honour of France not to let the hostages down and to allow them to regain their freedom,” added the RWB statement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is travelling to Africa for a two-nation tour – the latest in a series of visits to the continent by top American officials.
Security, a ravaging drought and the jihadist threat in the Sahel will be the focus of Mr Blinken’s visit to the two countries this week
He will be in Ethiopia on Wednesday to discuss the implementation of the peace deal signed between the government and rebel troops following a two-year bloody war.
He will also meet humanitarian agencies in the country.
Ethiopia is battling the aftermath of the fighting that displaced tens of thousands and the effects of the worst droughts in the Horn of Africa region in decades.
Secretary Blinken will then visit Niger – the first by a US Secretary of State – and will help shore up efforts to counter the expansion of jihadist groups in the Sahel.
His visit to Africa follows that of US First Lady Jill Biden, who last month visited Namibia and Kenya.
TheHarmattan situation in the country is likely to get worse this week, according to a report from theGhana Meteorological Agency (GMA).
The agency in a statement noted that meteorological satellites have detected that dust lifted around Chad, Sudan, and Niger have been transported into Ghana.
“This dust was transported into the country by strong winds at lower levels of the atmosphere. As a result, an intensification of dry and dusty weather conditions was expected to be experienced in Ghana during the week as issued in the GMet weekly and daily forecasts.”
“Furtherance to the above, this has resulted in dryness and decreased visibility, which may take some time to clear completely. Relative humidity, over the period, has ranged between 15% and 50% with a visibility range of 200 meters to 5,000 meters. These conditions are expected to persist at varying intensities over the next few days.
It however expects that there will be a relaxation in the intensity during the week and consequently.
GMA further advised that the general public take some precautions.
“Keep hydrated, Follow fire safety precautions, Cover foods/water to prevent dust from settling on them, Wash fruits thoroughly before taking them, and people allergic to dust are to wear nose masks to reduce the effect on them.”
The host nation of the ongoing tournament secured a ticket to the final after thumping Niger 5-0 in the first semi-final game on Tuesday, January 31.
In the clash today, Algeria dominated the contest from start to finish and made sure the attackers had their scoring boots on.
Following a very good start to the match, Ayoub Abdellaoui equalised for Algeria in the 15th minute.
Eight minutes later, Aimen Mahious got his name on the scoresheet to double the lead for the host nation.
Later in the 34th minute, Aimen Mahious found the back of the Niger net for the second time to grab a brace.
Courtesy of an own goal from Abdoulaye Boureima Katkoré and a strike by Soufiane Bayazid, Algeria cruised past Niger with ease to secure the delightful 5-0 win.
Courtesy of the victory, Algeria are in the finals and will face the winner of the second semi-final match between Senegal and Madagascar.
In the quarterfinal round of the 2022 CAF Championship of African Nations (CHAN) competition, Ghana’s Black Galaxies will play Niger.
This evening’s match was officially announced after Niger defeated Cameroon 1-0 to take first place in Group E.
On Sunday night, the Black Galaxies finished Group C as the runner-up, guaranteeing Ghana’s spot in the knockout round.
One of the nations playing at the 2022 CHAN event, which is presently taking place in Algeria in North Africa, is the national squad of Ghana, which is composed of players from the country.
Ghana lost 2-1 to Madagascar in their opening Group C match of the competition after failing to perform well.
The Black Galaxies then played Sudan in the second group match and made things right.
The team led by coach Annor Walker outperformed themselves and overcame a deficit to win 3-1 after 90 minutes.
Ghana and Madagascar both advanced to the knockout round at the conclusion of the Group C games.
This week, the Black Galaxies have been training hard to get ready for the quarter-finals of the 2022 CHAN tournament.
Coach Annor Walker and his lads will now prepare for the quarter-final match against Niger to be played on Saturday.
Researchers working with Niger’s health ministry say they have managed to more than halve the number of women who bleed to death after giving birth in health facilities.
Blood loss is the leading cause of maternal deaths in low-income nations.
Those behind the initiative say it could dramatically lower mortality rates elsewhere too.
It relies on following a simple three-step process including the use of a low-cost drug.
The research has taken place over the last six years and the findings – published in the medical journal the Lancet – are extremely encouraging.
Over the research period in Niger, an estimated 1,417 fewer women died from bleeding after childbirth – known as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) – than otherwise would have.
It also prevented tens of thousands of other women from experiencing abnormally high blood loss.
PPH now accounts for one in 10 of maternal deaths in Niger, whereas before the project began it accounted for more than three times that.
Working with doctors and nurses across the country, the NGO Health and Development Initiative (HDI) introduced a combination of treatments.
The first step is to give a dose of cheap and easy-to-store misoprostol tablets, which should reduce the bleeding.
If after 20 minutes the bleeding has not stopped, then a condom attached to a catheter is inserted into the uterus and then inflated.
If this does not work, then what is called a non-inflatable anti-shock garment is used to give the mother time to get to surgery for blood transfusions.
Expectant mothers are also handed a dose of misoprostol when they visit a clinic towards the end of the pregnancy, which they are asked to bring back for the birth – but it can be taken at home.
The researchers say that the approach should be tried in other countries.
“Niger has done it and other countries can too,” said Dr Zeidou Alassoum, HDI’s Resident Technical Advisor in Niger.
“This method achieves rapid reductions in maternal bleeding-deaths and can prevent millions more women around the world from bleeding to death after they give birth.”
“Reducing deaths caused by bleeding after women give birth, by more than half across an entire country within one or two years has to my knowledge never been done before,” PPH expert Prof André Lalonde said.
In developing countries, PPH accounts for somewhere between 25% and 43% of maternal deaths.
Overall, approximately 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth – most of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia.
A motion to make same-sex relationships illegal in Niger has the support of a number of parliamentarians.
Niger has a secular government with a Muslim majority, although there is no particular rule against same-sex unions at the moment.
Same-sex partnerships, according to the MPs, are in opposition to the populace’s religious and cultural views.
Nana Djibou Harouna, a politician from the southern Maradi area, delivered the proposal to the Speaker of Parliament.
She told a press conference on Thursday in the capital, Niamey, that the move was meant to protect the “rights and interest of the public”.
Mrs Haruna described homosexuality as a “problem affecting our society”.
She claimed that after extensive deliberations, practically all MPs as well as Nigerien citizens had endorsed the proposal.
When the subject will be formally discussed in parliament is not yet known. What sort of sanctions they want to be included in the law is likewise unclear.
The action was taken just a few weeks after a court in Maradi exonerated two young women of lesbianism-related charges on the grounds that there was no specific law making same-sex relationships illegal.
After being found guilty of publishing their nude videos on social media in which they were purportedly seen in a lesbian act, they were instead sentenced to two years in prison.
A group of lawmakers in Niger has backed a motion seeking to criminalise same-sex relationships in the country.
The vast majority of Niger’s population is Muslim, but it has a secular government and there is currently no specific law on same-sex relationships.
The MPs say same-sex relationships are against the religious and cultural beliefs of the people.
The proposal was presented to the Speaker of parliament by Nana Djibou Harouna, a lawmaker from the southern region of Maradi.
She told a press conference on Thursday in the capital, Niamey, that the move was meant to protect the “rights and interest of the public”.
Mrs Haruna described homosexuality as a “problem affecting our society”.
She said they had carried out wide consultations and that the proposal had received the support of Nigerien citizens as well as nearly all MPs.
It’s not yet clear when the matter will be formally debated in parliament. It is also unclear what sort of punishment they want stipulated in the legislation.
The move comes just weeks after a court in Maradi acquitted two young women of charges relating to lesbianism because there was no clear legislation criminalising same-sex relationship.
They were instead jailed for two years after being found guilty of posting their nude videos on social media in which they were seen allegedly in a lesbian act.
Masked and helmeted Chinese and Nigerian workers hoist giant steel pipes over mounds of earth. Farther away, smoke billows from blowtorches. Camouflaged in the millet fields, heavily armed soldiers are on the lookout.
In Gaya, in southwestern Niger, near Benin, the largest oil pipeline in Africa is taking shape. Nearly 2,000 km long – 1,250 km of which is in Niger – the pipeline is to link the oil wells of the Agadem field in the far east, the scene of deadly jihadist incursions, to the Beninese port of Sèmè, from where Nigerien crude will be evacuated for the first time.
With a modest production of 20,000 barrels per day, Niger, one of the poorest states in the world, became an oil producer in 2011.
The black gold extracted by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is so far transported by pipelines to Zinder (south-central Niger), where it is refined.
Initially, Niger had planned to evacuate its crude through the Cameroonian port of Kribi via neighboring Chad, before opting for the Benin corridor.
Launched in 2019, the project was supposed to be completed in 2022, but the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed it down, Nafiou Issaka, the deputy general manager of the West African Oil Pipeline Company (Wapco), the project owner, told AFP.
Wapco, a subsidiary of CNPC, is now working hard: more than 600 km of pipes have already been laid, “i.e. a 51.5% completion rate”, and Niger could sell its crude on the international market in “October or November 2023”, he hopes.
More than 700 soldiers are deployed to ensure “permanent security” of the work even if a large part of the areas it crosses is so far spared from jihadist violence, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
With the continued collapse of revenues from uranium, of which Niger is a major producer, the country is counting on black gold to boost its budget, much of which is being injected into the fight against jihadist groups in the southeast and west.
“Six billion dollars will be invested in the construction of this pipeline. It is the biggest investment of Niger (a former French colony) since its independence (in 1960),” observes Kabirou Zakari, the director of Hydrocarbons at the Nigerien Ministry of Oil.
Smuggling” from Nigeria
By 2023, oil production will be increased to 110,000 barrels per day, of which 90,000 barrels will be exported, he said.
Oil will thus “generate a quarter of the country’s GDP” (more than 13.6 billion dollars in 2020 according to the World Bank) and “about 50% of Niger’s tax revenue”, compared to 4% and 19% respectively at present, notes Mr. Zakari.
According to him, Niger’s reserves “are around two billion barrels”. And according to official projections, Niger will produce 200,000 barrels per day in 2026 and 500,000 barrels in 2030.
Sonatrach, the Algerian state-owned oil group, announced that it had made an “encouraging discovery” of oil in Kafra (north), a vast area of 23,737 km2 near the border with Algeria, which adjoins the Algerian oil basin of Tafassasset, also operated by Sonatrach.
The British company Savannah Petroleum claims to have discovered new deposits in Agadem, where the Chinese already operate.
Despite local production, the black market in hydrocarbons is flourishing in Niamey and the major cities.
According to Nigerien customs, this market “is regularly supplied by networks from neighboring Nigeria” and giant oil producer.
On the black market, a liter of gasoline costs 300 CFA francs (0.4 euros) compared to 540 CFA francs (0.8 euros) at the pump, a rate “considered expensive” by the unions.
On Tuesday, Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, denounced the extent of “fuel smuggling” from neighboring Nigeria, which has become a source of “supplies for terrorists” via the “Niger River (in dugout canoes) and on motorcycles” to Mali.
“We must find a good answer” to cut off “the terrorists” from this source of “fuel supplies”, urged the Nigerien president, who was speaking to security forces in Dosso, the large southwestern city near Nigeria.
About 38 persons alleged to be migrants from Niger were yesterday rounded up at Abofu in Achimota, Accra by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
All women, with some carrying children, the migrants were rounded up during a decongestion exercise in Accra organised by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey.
They were picked up around 11 a.m. by the GIS to its headquarters for further investigations.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA), NiiBoyeLaryea, told the media that he was informed about the arrival of the migrants by residents around 6a.m yesterday.
He said the alleged migrants were said to have been dropped by a bus around 11 p.m. on Monday with the whereabouts of the bus yet to be known.
Mr Laryea noted that intelligence found out that the migrants were making a transit from Niger to Cote d’ Ivoire and other places.
The MCE said he then informed the Regional Minister and the GISabout the incident while the Assembly’s task force assessed the situation.
The Regional Minister, for his part, stressed the need to treat the issue fairly as Ghana was part of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) and had signed on to its protocols.
MrQuarteyemphasised that there would be collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Gender and Social Protection and the GIS to ensure that the migrants went through the due process and were offered the needed assistance.
The leader of the migrants, MrsMadinaYagoudaNeanti, said they meant no harm as they were heading towards Cote d’ Ivoire only to be dropped at the location by the driver of the bus who was conveying them.
She said that they only needed another vehicle to convey them to their destination but the language barrier had been a challenge as they could not communicate effectively with the driver of the bus that brought them to the Abofulocation.
Niger has decided to suspend the transit of petroleum products destined for neighboring Mali for security reasons, in the face of the threat of jihadist groups.
The news was confirmed to the AFP news agency Tuesday by customs sources.
In a memo dated 21 September, the Niger Customs Directorate General announced the suspension of the issuance of transit permits for petroleum products granted to users in Mali.
Products destined for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma) are not concerned by this suspension, the memo added.
In addition, the note announces the suspension of already issued authorizations for the supply of petroleum products in Mali and which are not intended for the UN mission.
This decision was taken three days before the invective of the Malian interim Prime Minister, Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, against Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. Speaking at the UN’s 77th general assembly, he accused Mr. Bazoum of being a “foreign who se réclame from Niger”.
Praising “the Nigerien people who is a brother to Mali”, Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga added President Mohamed Bazoum’s “actions” reinforced the suspicions the Malian authorities had that he is not “Nigerien”.
This accusation dates back to 2019 when Bazoum was chosen by his party to be the candidate to the presidential election. Several members of the opposition then attempted to have his candidacy invalidated, accusing the candidate of having provided a false certificate of nationality.
Their request was finally rejected by the Constitutional Court in December 2020 as “unfounded,” but the suspicions persist.
“Security reasons”
“This measure is really motivated by security reasons, not anything else,” said a customs source on condition of anonymity, adding that deliveries to the Minusma will be “escorted to the border of Mali”.
In Niger and neighboring Burkina Faso, several sources report frequent hijackings of trucks carrying hydrocarbons by jihadist groups.
Niger and Mali have been facing attacks by jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State (EI) and al-Qaeda for years.
The Assembly member for Akokoamong Electoral Area in the Ejisu Municipality, Hon Daniel Owusu, has disclosed that dozens of foreigners are still hiding in the community at the blindside of authorities in the area.
Some of these outlanders according to the assembly member are engaging in rogue operations including operating a school for men between the ages of 18 to 30.
It is yet to be known by authorities as to what they are teaching the men who have been camped at secret places in the community.
The foreigners suspected to hail from Cameroon, Niger, Burkina, and other neighboring countries have been camping secretly without the notice of authorities in the area.
In an interview on the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show, Nyansapo, on Monday, September 26, 2022, Hon Daniel Owusu said although police in the region have arrested some of these foreigners, dozens of them are still hiding in the community.
“Sources in the community say there are many of these immigrants hiding in our area, and I must say the situation has sparked fear among us.”
ARREST OF FOREIGNERS
Police in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, September 22, 2022, arrested 48 foreigners suspected to be illegal immigrants living in a five-bedroom house at Akokoamong.
The arrest follows a combined action by Security officials and community members who claimed to have observed the suspicious moves by these people in the past few months.
The suspects have since been held at the Ejisu Divisional Police Command assisting investigations.
Until 1976, the only identity the black Jews residing in the West African nation of Ghana had was that they were a special breed of people who migrated to their present settlement about 300 years ago.
The Tirefeth Israel community in Ghana’s farming settlement of Sefwi Wiaso believe they descended from one of the lost tribes of Israel.
Though the black Jew community is unable to back with documentary proof which of the 12 tribes of Israel they belong to, oral tradition handed over from generation to generation had transmitted knowledge of the observation of Jewish customs with regard to the observance of Shabbat, circumcision of their newborns, refraining from eating pork and abiding by the rituals of purity.
Many lost tribes of Israel settling in isolated communities like the Tirefeth settlement have been linked to the destruction of Israel by the Assyrian empire in 722 BCE.
The disclosure of the true identity of the Tirefeth Israel community was revealed to one of their members in 1976 and that’s how the community came to the realization of the Judaism customs they have been practicing for centuries, according to the Canadian Jewish News.
The community in their pilgrimage to their present location settled in the Sahara desert, moved to Niger, Mail, Côte d’Ivoire and finally Ghana.
Some scholars are of the view that this tribe descended from Jews who were pushed out from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 and settled in Morroco. As part of their activity in the trans-Sahara trading, they migrated to other parts of Africa over time.
Archaeological excavations at Jewish cemeteries and synagogues in countries like the Mail and Gambia have confirmed the existence of black Jews and their trading activities.
The Tirefeth Israel community enjoys religious freedom and practices its customs in rural settings. The community leaders believe they are the only tribe that draws inspiration from the Torah.
It is the hope of the community to have some of their members go on a pilgrimage to Israel to learn more about their identity and their religious customs.
She said when the Tirefeth Israel found their identity in 1976, they reached out to the Israel Embassy in Ghana which assisted them. Forward said in her research, which was mainly fieldwork, she observed the community identified themselves as Jews.
According to her, they believe they were descendants of Abraham and that legitimizes their association with Judaism. She said presently the community is learning Hebrew, they light candles, observe the sabbath and celebrate Jewish holidays.
Her worry is that even though many have confirmed the existence of the Tirefeth Israel community, little efforts have been made into researching them extensively.
The suspected terrorists, SaharaReporters reliably gathered, arrived in the community in large numbers on Monday afternoon, shooting sporadically in different directions.
At least three persons have been killed in an ongoing attack on Kabo Village in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State by armed Fulani herdsmen.
The suspected terrorists, SaharaReporters reliably gathered, arrived in the community in large numbers on Monday afternoon, shooting sporadically in different directions.
Most residents of the village were said to have been hit by bullets while fleeing into nearby bushes for safety.
A resident of the town told SaharaReporters that the casualty figure is expected to rise further by the end of the day, adding that the herdsmen were still operating in the village.
“They (Fulani herdsmen) arrived this afternoon and started shooting at houses and anyone in sight.
“As we speak, three people have been killed. There will likely be more deaths at the end of the day because a lot of people were hit by bullets while running out of the village. The attackers are still shooting in the community.
“I ran into the bush with some other people in the village immediately we heard the sound of gunshots,†the resident named Kulus said.
When contacted by SaharaReporters over the development, the spokesperson for the police in Niger State, Mr Wasiu Abiodun, promised to get back with details and updates on the situation but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
On March 17, 2022, armed men killed a police officer during an attack on Bangi Divisional Headquarters in the Mariga Local Government Area of the state.
A day before that incident, bandits killed four police officers including a divisional police officer, Muhammad Umar, and four vigilantes in the Magama council area of the state.
Armed men on motorbikes have kidnapped an American citizen from his home in southern Niger, according to security sources.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday, in the rural village of Massalata in the department of Birni Nkonni, which sits on the Nigerian border.
The American man, named by his father as Philip Walton had been living there with his wife and child for two years.
“During the night six men, possibly Fulani, came on foot. They kidnapped my son Philip Walton. They were looking for money in the house but there was not enough. had only 20,000 CFA francs (30 euros). Following that, they left with him, ” said his father, Bruce Walton, who lives in Birni Nkonni and has lived in Niger for almost 30 years.
He said the kidnappers were possibly Fulani and spoke Hausa.
Niger, like much of the Sahel, is plagued by recurrent jihadist attacks that have killed hundreds, despite help from French and US forces there.
Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, it is at the heart of a huge area scoured by jihadist groups claiming to be ISIS or its rival Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Niger is also facing attacks from the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram on its south-eastern borders.
Westerners are also subject to frequent kidnappings by jihadist groups.
But several westerners are still being held hostage in the Sahel. Among them, the American humanitarian Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped in Niger in October 2016 in Abalak, about 200 km north of Birni Nkonni.
Reports at the time said they were shot by gunmen who arrived on motorbikes.
Militant groups, including Boko Haram, operate in the area and violence by groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group has been on the rise in the Sahel region.
France has been leading a coalition of West African and European allies against Islamist militants in the region.
The AFP news agency reports that in the message reproduced by Site, the militants said the attack was a “major security lapse” for France.
ACTED, a French humanitarian NGO, confirmed its staff members were involved in the incident in Niger.
President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou on Sunday, a statement said, without giving further details.
In photos seen by the BBC, the victims’ bodies were found lying on a dirt road by the side of a 4×4 vehicle.
Niger’s state prosecutor says there is evidence that the country lost almost $50m (£40m) through a military procurement scandal.
Referring to an audit by the defence ministry, Maman Sayabou Issa said there had been overcharging for items and military equipment that was paid for but never delivered.
A preliminary audit had found more than twice as much money had been lost.
A statement from the prosecutor said there was evidence of fraud, false documents and illicit enrichment.
The corruption scandal caused an outcry in Niger, which has been suffering from an increase in attacks by jihadists in the south-east and west of the country.
Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of tigpost.co. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.â€
Niger has further relaxed Coronavirus restrictions, allowing mosques and churches to reopen from Wednesday.
Places of worship had been closed for nearly two months as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus.
The authorities say they are reopening them because the situation has improved. But worshippers have to adhere to social-distancing rules, wear face masks and regularly wash their hands.
Mosques and churches must also be disinfected before prayer sessions or services.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Niamey, has also been lifted. But hotels, airports and land borders remain closed.
In a statement, the government warned that mosque and churches could be closed if the situation deteriorates.
Niger has confirmed a total of 854 coronavirus cases..
Senegal reopened places of worship on Tuesday and reduced the hours of its night-time curfew.
At least 20 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen on several villages in Niger, local authorities say.
Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, governor of Tillaberi region, said the assailants were riding motorbikes during the incidents on Saturday.
The unidentified group reportedly looted shops, stole cattle and ordered village inhabitants to flee.
Since 2017 a state of emergency has been in place in Tillaberi, which borders Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the latest attacks took place at about 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT), with gunmen targeting villages including Gadabo and Koira Teguio.
Militants affiliated to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda continue to operate in the region, weakening control by national governments. Attacks by these groups have killed 170 government soldiers since December last year.
Last week the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, warned that jihadist groups in the Sahel were exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to step up attacks.
Combatting militants in the region is seen as important for maintaining security further afield, including Europe. Several African and European countries, along with the US, have set up a military task force to deal with the insurgency.
The UN also has a 13,000-strong peacekeeping force in Mali, which has been targeted by insurgent groups. On Sunday, three Chadian peacekeepers were killed by a roadside bomb. No group has claimed responsibility for the deaths, but such explosives are a preferred tactic of jihadis in the area.
The death toll from Thursday’s attack by rebel fighters on a Niger army base has risen to at least 89, security sources said, surpassing a raid last month that killed 71 soldiers as the deadliest against Nigerien forces in years.
The government said on Thursday that 25 soldiers were killed, according to a provisional death toll, adding that it had successfully repelled the attack in the western town of Chinagodrar by assailants on motorcycles and other vehicles.
Four security sources told Reuters news agency that at least 89 members of Niger’s security forces killed in the attack were buried on Saturday in the capital, Niamey.
One of the sources said the actual death toll could be higher because a number of soldiers were buried immediately on Thursday in Chinagodrar.
Defence Minister Issoufou Katambe said an updated death toll would be announced after a national security council meeting on Sunday.
The Chinagodrar attack, coming a month after the raid in nearby Inates by fighters from an affiliate of the ISIL (ISIS) group that killed 71 soldiers, highlights the deteriorating security situation near Niger’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Attacks have risen fourfold over the past year in Niger, killing nearly 400 people, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a non-profit research organisation, despite efforts by international forces to stop fighters linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda.
French fighter jets were scrambled on Thursday to scare off the attackers, France’s regional taskforce said, possibly averting an even heavier casualty count.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Katambe said on Friday that the army would launch a new offensive against armed groups.
Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris, reporting from the Nigerian capital Abuja, said the latest attack happened in an area that does not have a heavy security presence.
“The countries in the Sahel region are vast and largely unmanned. These armed groups are getting bolder. They are having a field day,” Idris said.
“According to sources, the attack was carried by attackers who came from Mali. Many people in the region believe these kinds of attacks will continue simply because the governments in the region do not have the manpower to deal with these fighters,” he added.
West Africa’s Sahel region, a semi-arid belt beneath the Sahara, has been in crisis since 2012, when ethnic Tuareg rebels and loosely aligned rebel fighters seized the northern two-thirds of Mali, forcing France to intervene to temporarily beat them back.
