Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa bordered by Libya to the north-east, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the south-west, Mali to the west and Algeria to the north-west. The capital is Niamey, located on the Niger River in the south-western part of the country. With a population of about 25-million, Niger is one of the world's fastest-growing nations demographically, though it remains one of the poorest countries by GDP per capita. The economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture, livestock herding and uranium mining, with Niger ranking among the top global uranium producers. The currency is the West African CFA franc. The country operates as a semi-presidential republic, though it has experienced recurrent military coups, including one in July 2023 that removed the elected president. Niger is a member of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Much of the country lies within the Sahara and Sahel, making it vulnerable to desertification, drought and food insecurity. Security challenges include insurgencies by jihadist groups operating across the Sahel and Lake Chad basin. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has faced ongoing struggles with governance, development and regional stability.
Niger Updates
The Sahel region is less secure than ever: foreign forces just add to the cycle of violence
26th May 2026 Several of Mali’s major cities experienced coordinated attacks in April by a new coalition of jihadists and separatist groups. As the coalition... →
The end of strategic ambiguity as Africa’s security alignments become operational
By: In On Africa IOA 20th May 2026 Analysis in brief: In pursuit of safe countries where citizens can prosper and investors feel secure, Africa is using its new geopolitical... →
Mali’s military leader is consolidating power. Why this is dangerous
19th May 2026 Malian officials announced on 4 May 2026 that junta leader General Assimi Goïta would take on the post of defence minister after the killing of... →
Southern Africa’s regional uranium production looking up as demand outlook rises 
By: Martin Creamer 13th May 2026 The symbol U and the atomic number 92 are once again among the energy elements being looked at with greater intensity amid global fossil fuel... →
Why Nairobi Africa‑France summit bears the hallmarks of Macron and Ruto priorities
11th May 2026 The 2026 Africa-France summit in Nairobi on May 11-12 is the first to be held in an African country that is not a former French colony. It is also... →
Deals and new partnerships on the menu at Africa-France summit
By: Reuters 11th May 2026 More than 30 African leaders kicked off a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Kenya on Monday, as Paris sought new deals and... →
Deals and new partnerships on the menu at Africa-France summit
By: Reuters 11th May 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron and more than 30 African leaders kicked off a summit in Kenya on Monday aimed at diversifying Paris' partnerships... →
Nigeria-Niger-Benin: cross-border trade resumes amid security risks
30th April 2026 The Tsamiya-Kamba corridor will revive regional commerce, but jihadist expansion could quickly unravel the gains. The 9 February official reopening... →
Niger-Benin: a narrow window for diplomatic reset
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 23rd April 2026 The political transition in Cotonou opens a window for regional de-escalation that the African Union should seize. Romuald Wadagni’s election as... →
Counter-terrorism lessons to avoid a Lake Chad Basin scenario in Borgu-Kainji
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 20th April 2026 Reactive counter-terrorism posture risks entrenching armed groups in a new corridor linking northwest to southwest Nigeria. Mass killings,... →
