Orano confirmed the development, stating it had faced mounting challenges since Niger’s military seized power in a coup in July 2023
Niger junta takes control of French uranium mine amid rising tensions Read More »
Niger Requests EU Ambassador’s Replacement Amid Aid Dispute Niger’s government has formally requested the European Union to replace its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, amid tensions over the distribution of emergency aid. The EU recalled da Franca on Saturday after Niger’s military rulers accused him of allocating €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval. The EU rejected these allegations, expressing “profound disagreement.” On Sunday, Niger’s foreign ministry accused da Franca of continuing “unauthorized operations” despite previous warnings issued in October. The ministry declared that cooperation with the ambassador had become untenable and called for his replacement “as soon as possible.” Since June, flooding in Niger has killed more than 300 people and displaced over 1.1 million. The government stated that it had not requested EU aid and would address the damage with its own resources. Tensions between Niger and the EU have escalated since the July 2023 military coup, with the country distancing itself from both France and the European bloc.
Niger demands EU ambassador’s replacement over aid dispute Read More »
Diplomatic tensions between the European Union and Niger’s military junta have escalated after the junta accused the EU of mishandling a 1.3 million euro aid fund for flood victims.
EU recalls ambassador from niger over aid dispute Read More »
Niger’s junta alleged the funds were distributed among international NGOs without transparency or coordination with local authorities
EU recalls envoy from Niger amid aid mismanagement allegations Read More »
Junta-led nations in the Sahel region gathered in Niamey to denounce Western imperialism and strengthen their alliance.
Music and nationalism: A rallying cry in Niamey Read More »
Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey on Saturday (Nov. 16) to show support for the ruling CNSP junta and protest foreign attempts to destabilize the country. The demonstration was organized by a coalition of civil society groups after authorities claimed to have arrested a French ‘spy’. Many protesters also expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Some speakers, like Mohamed, condemned foreign interference, citing recent destabilization attempts in Mali and Burkina Faso. “We are with our military and security forces,” he declared. The protest, which was attended by CNSP officials, including President’s Chief of Staff Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, as well as student and youth unions, was fueled by accusations that France sought to overthrow the regime that deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum. Protesters also rejected France’s withdrawal of troops and expressed determination to defend their sovereignty. Civil society leader Abdourahamane emphasized the rising awareness among Africans, asserting that the continent can no longer be manipulated by external powers. “Today, Africans master the tool of information,” he said. While the protesters celebrated their defiance, they also called for economic and military development. “In the next ten years, the CNSP must build the weapons and tanks to defend us,” organizer Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane said, as the crowd enthusiastically agreed. The demonstration comes just ahead of an international conference in Niamey to support the AES states.
Thousands march in Niamey, reject foreign interference Read More »
The company has been forced to suspend production at its Somair uranium mine and may face further difficulties in the future.
Niger’s uranium future uncertain as Orano faces challenges Read More »
A new study reveals that over 800 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes, with more than half of those over 30 not receiving any treatment. African countries are among the hardest hit, as non-communicable diseases like diabetes account for 17 million premature deaths each year, many of which occur before the age of 70. The report highlights that in sub-Saharan Africa, only about 5 to 10% of adults with diabetes receive any form of treatment. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for urgent action to address the growing diabetes epidemic. “We’ve seen a concerning rise in diabetes over the past three decades, driven by factors such as increased obesity, the marketing of unhealthy foods, physical inactivity, and economic challenges,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. He stressed the importance of policies promoting healthy diets and physical activity, as well as strengthening healthcare systems to focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment. The WHO has set global targets for improving diabetes care by 2030, with a particular focus on increasing access to diagnosis and treatment across Africa, aiming to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for millions.
Over 800 million affected by diabetes, treatment lags in Africa Read More »
Ahead of the COP29 climate change summit, the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is urging world leaders to set an ambitious global finance goal for climate adaptation. One of the key topics for discussion at the summit in Azerbaijan will be the New Global Quantified Goal (NCQG), with a focus on supporting small-scale farmers in adapting to climate change. Although African countries have contributed little to global climate change, they are among the most severely impacted. African leaders have long advocated for increased funding for both mitigation and adaptation efforts to address the continent’s climate challenges. In Africa, agriculture is largely dependent on rainfall, making it highly vulnerable to the extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Zimbabwe, for example, is currently facing its worst drought in over four decades. However, thanks to an IFAD-funded irrigation project, farmers have still been able to grow crops despite the drought. “This year, we couldn’t harvest anything because the rains didn’t come as expected. The seasons have changed,” said Tinomuounga Hove, chairperson of the Biri Irrigation Scheme. “Having an irrigation scheme helps us a lot. Even without rains this year, we were still able to grow crops.” IFAD is also supporting similar climate adaptation projects around the world to help smallholder farmers increase their food production in the face of climate challenges. The COP29 climate summit will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, bringing together climate negotiators, activists, and leaders from around the globe. “This is essentially a negotiation on how much wealthier countries should contribute to help developing nations cope with climate change,” said IFAD President Alvaro Lario. Lario emphasized the importance of a climate finance plan that includes a specific goal for adaptation, with a focus on the needs of small-scale farmers. “Small farms are the backbone of global food systems, but they are also the most vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “Investing in them is crucial if we are to ensure global food security.”
IFAD calls for climate finance goal for farmers at COP29 Read More »
A new insurgent group, Lakurawas, has infiltrated Nigeria’s northwest region from neighboring Niger and Mali, posing a significant security threat.
Nigeria warns of Lakurawas infiltration from Niger, Mali Read More »
