Niger

Niger, officially known as the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa. The country borders seven different countries and is largely located in the Sahara Desert. With an area of around 1.3 million square kilometers, Niger is one of the largest countries in Africa. Despite its natural resources, Niger faces various challenges, including poverty, lack of infrastructure and environmental problems such as droughts and desertification. In recent years, Niger has also played a significant role in tackling the refugee crisis and terrorism in the Sahel region. The country is an important partner for international organizations and actors working for stability and development in the region. Politics in Niger Politics in Niger is largely shaped by the difficult situation in the Sahel region and the conflicts with and in neighboring countries, which threaten security and stability in Niger. At the same time, Niger is one of the least developed countries in the world. Almost one in two people live below the poverty line, around half of all children under the age of 14 have to work, and Niger has been independent of France since 1960. Nigerien politics is characterized by military coups and political instability. The first multi-party elections were held in the '90s. Since 2021, Mohamed Bazoum has been President of the Nigerien Party (Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya)) of Niger.there are several political parties in Niger, some of which play a more significant role than others. Here are some of the most important parties in Niger: In 2022, Niger was among the 20 countries with the highest press freedom in Africa. However, due to the dangerous security situation, the people of Niger are increasingly losing their freedoms. Refugee crisis and terrorism in Niger The security situation in Niger and the Sahel region has deteriorated considerably in recent years. Starting in northern Mali, militant Islamist rebels are spreading throughout the region, making the triangle of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso one of the most dangerous regions in the world. The Islamic State in particular is raging in the region, but soldiers, police and militiamen are also committing human rights violations, with many state human rights commissions documenting mass executions of civilians by Nigerien soldiers. As part of the EU partnership (EUMPM Niger), the German Bundestag has decided to deploy German armed forces in Niger to help in the fight against Islamist terrorists and armed gangs and to support capacity building. The Nigerien desert has been a hub for African refugees seeking to reach Europe or North America since the '90s. Niger is therefore home to the most frequently used refugee route in Africa and is also the continent's most conflict-ridden region. Niger is therefore a place of refuge and protection for many people from Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and, above all, Mali and Nigeria. During the European refugee crisis in 2015, the Nigerien government, with the support of the EU, passed the new Law 036, which prohibits the transportation and accommodation of migrants. As a key partner in the EU's policy of isolation, Niger has become an "externalized European border" according to the British human rights organization Privacy International. Economy in Niger The economy in Niger is not very diversified and is barely integrated into international trade. According to the World Bank, agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP. Persistent and severe droughts, insufficient water and flooding on the Niger River have a drastic impact on agricultural production. Global commodity prices and continued pressure on the domestic food market caused the average annual inflation rate to rise to a ten-year high of 4.2% in 2022, compared to 3.8% in 2021. Niger's gross domestic product, on the other hand, is rising steadily.

EU: What will be decided this week on Sahel cooperation