Located in West Africa, at the heart of the Sahel, Niger has a narrow-based economy that remains heavily dependent on agriculture. Despite ongoing efforts to improve the situation, poverty remains a major challenge. In 2025, over 2.6 million people need assistance, including more than 507,000 internally displaced persons and 449,000 refugees.

Political Context

Since the coup d'état of July 26, 2023, Niger has been governed by a transition government led by General Abdourahmane Tiani. In May 2025, President Tiani established the Consultative Council for Refoundation (CCR), an advisory body designed to guide the country’s refoundation process.

With the objective to strengthen oversight and ensure that Nigeriens benefit from the country’s natural resources, the authorities have increased state control over strategic sectors. The Nigerien Electricity Company (NIGELEC) has been nationalized and similar measures in the mining sector, targeting the Liptako Mining Company (SML) and the Air Mining Company (Somaïr) have been announced.

The border with Benin remains closed, which continues to disrupt commercial trade and formal transit links. However, Niger has made progress in diplomatic relations, particularly with the European Union. Several EU member states renewed cooperation agreement in 2025, signaling improved international engagement.

Niger continues to face insecurity in several regions, including the Liptako-Gourma (Tillaberi region) and the Lake Chad Basin (Diffa region), where terrorist attacks persist. Armed groups in the southern and western part of the Dosso region have committed serious violations against the civilians, including pipeline sabotage, kidnappings, extortion, and violent raids. These activities have exacerbated the security crisis and affected local communities. The government remains committed to promoting peace and stability with the aim of reducing violence and fostering lasting reconciliation.

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