Niger

Al Qaeda-linked terrorists claim attack on Niger airport that killed 13

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda, claimed the attack on a Niger airport that killed 11 security force members and two civilians.

|ByREUTERS
The head of the Nigerien junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, walks with Beninese President Romuald Wadagni during his arrival for the first leg of a visit to Niger and Burkina Faso, at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger June 2, 2026.
Passengers arrive at the Diori Hamani International airport in Niamey on September 22, 2023; illustrative.

Explosions, sustained gunfire at airport in Niger capital, witnesses say

Explosions and sustained gunfire lasting more than an hour were heard early Thursday near the airport in Niamey, Niger's capital.

|ByREUTERS
Soldiers of the Somalia National Army (SNA) raise their weapons when they gathered near their camp for a talk from visiting senior officers at Awdheegle, one of several towns recently liberated from the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in Somalia's lower-Shabelle region on November, 2025.

Al Qaeda, Islamic State ramp up violence in West Africa’s tri-border region, report shows

The findings underscore the accelerating spread of jihadist groups in West Africa, where governments and foreign militaries have struggled for more than a decade to contain their advance.

|ByREUTERS
A 46-foot (14m) long Spinosaurus cast debuts at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, US, June 2, 2023.

Fossils of a new species of huge dinosaur Spinosaurus unearthed in Niger

Spinosaurus, the only known semiaquatic dinosaur predator, joins Tyrannosaurus, Giganotosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus among the largest meat-eating dinosaurs.

|ByREUTERS

Al-Qaeda affiliate says it has taken two Russians hostage in Niger

Speaking in Russian-accented English, both identified themselves as Russians and said they were taken hostage in Mbanga, an area about 60 km (40 miles) west of the capital Niamey.

AUGUST 3, 2024ByREUTERS
Taliban fighters celebrate on the second anniversary of the fall of Kabul on a street near the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 15, 2023.

Iran seeks to expand its influence in Africa through weapons trades and chaos - analysis

Iran expands influence in Africa via trade and arms sales, leveraging global chaos. Reports detail its strategies, including partnerships in Sudan and Niger.

APRIL 29, 2024BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with a group of academic elites and scientific talents in Tehran, Iran October 19, 2022

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Niger army that killed dozens

Niger is one of several West African countries battling an Islamist insurgency that has spread outwards from Mali over the past 12 years, killing thousands and uprooting millions of people.

MARCH 23, 2024ByREUTERS
Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger July 30, 2023.

Military-led Sahel states rally thousands to support alliance

"From now on, we say, whether you're from Mali, Niger or Burkina, we have the same destiny. We're going in together," said Burkinabe premier Appolinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela

DECEMBER 31, 2023ByREUTERS
Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and Prime Minister of Mali Choguel Kokalla Maiga attend a sit-in in Niamey, Niger, December 29, 2023.

Sahel alliance: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger form new defense pact - analysis

With other African states that are members of ECOWAS considering military operations, several states connected to Niger have rushed to pledge support, many of whom have had coups recently.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
FILE PHOTO: Soldiers from Burkina Faso patrol on the road of Gorgadji in the Sahel area of Burkina Faso, March 3, 2019.

Huge protests in Niger call for French forces to leave after coup

Niger's junta denounced the comments as divisive and served only to perpetrate France's neo-colonial relationship.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023ByREUTERS
Thousands of Nigeriens gather in front of the French army headquarter, in support of the putschist soldiers and to demand the French army to leave, in Niamey, Niger September 2, 2023

Gabon coup: Unrest in Africa's Sahel is becoming more common - analysis

Gabon's coup is only the latest in countries throughout Africa's Sahel region.

AUGUST 30, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Gabonese military appear on television as they announce that they have seized power following President Ali Bongo Ondimba's re-election, in this screengrab obtained by Reuters on August 30, 2023.

Niger junta expels French ambassador

The deterioration in Niger-France relations echoes post-coup developments in Mali and Burkina Faso, which have booted out French forces and severed long-standing ties.

AUGUST 26, 2023ByREUTERS
NIGER’S JUNTA supporters demonstrate in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, last week.

Is a war in West Africa shaping up in the ECOWAS-Niger dispute - analysis

Perceived-Western backing of state actors could create future divisions in an already tense climate.

AUGUST 20, 2023BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of the coup set fire to the ruling party HQ while hundreds of them gather in front of the National Assembly in the capital Niamey, Niger July 27, 2023

Why is the Niger conflict drawing global attention? - opinion

Niger is one of the least prosperous countries in the world, but has critical strategic value for several reasons.

AUGUST 16, 2023BySALEM ALKETBI
NIGER’S JUNTA supporters demonstrate in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, last week.