A major ruling by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), an arbitration body under the World Bank, has prohibited Niger from selling uranium extracted from the Somaïr mine, intensifying a bitter resource dispute with France. The decision, announced on September 26, follows the military junta’s seizure of the mine from Orano, a…
Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum Human Rights Watch has called on Niger’s military rulers to release former president, Mohamed Bazoum without delay. Bazoum was deposed in a 2023 coup orchestrated by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and both he and his wife were taken into custody. “Niger’s military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every…
The announcement by the Nigerièn military government that it had officially replaced French with Hausa as its national language set off celebrations across the country and ignited debates about cultural and linguistic independence on many Pan-African platforms. This was more than a policy change. It was a declaration of independence, a symbolic severing of colonial…
Just one month after a landmark national conference aimed at reshaping Niger’s political future, the military junta has swiftly moved to implement its key recommendations, culminating in the formal inauguration of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as President of the Republic. The ceremony, held on March 26, in Niamey, not only solidified Tchiani’s leadership but also marked…
General Abdourahamane Tchiani. Niger’s military leader (C) In a bold move to assert greater control over its oil sector, the military-led government of Niger has expelled top Chinese managers from key energy companies operating in the country. The decision, announced on March 12, targets executives from Société de Raffinage de Zinder (SORAZ), China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC),…
Niger’s transition conference recommends that military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, remain for five more years with the option of running for president after. Niger’s National Transition Convention, held on February 15 to determine the duration of the military government’s transition to democratic rule, has submitted a proposal for a five-year transition period during which the current…
With its recent suspension of uranium mining license for the French nuclear fuel producer, Orano, the Nigerièn government appears to have commenced its much touted goal of reviewing all agreements that do not meet its terms of engagement in the country’s mining sector. When the military seized power in 2023, it made a pledge to…
Nigerien Minister of Oil, Barké Bako Mahaman Moustaph Niger is preparing to launch the construction of a new refinery and a petrochemical complex in the Dosso region, in addition to the existing refinery in Zinder. These new facilities, scheduled to come into operation at the end of 2025, aim to increase the country’s oil production…
Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine In explaining why Niger decided to kick out U.S. troops, Niger’s prime minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, tells Rachel Chason, West African bureau chief for Washington Post, that U.S. officials tried to dictate which countries Niger could partner with in a manner he viewed as disrespectful: He…
File photo of U.S. air base in Niger Russian military specialists, invited by the Nigerièn government, were moved into Airbase 101 near Niamey, where a small number of US troops still remain. Washington has announced its decision to accede to the demands of the country’s military leadership and withdraw its 1,000-strong contingent, presently deployed at…
