Niger

The UN Secretary-General on Thursday demanded the release of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum “immediately and unconditionally”, as military officers continue to hold the democratically-elected leader captive after declaring a coup.

Wednesday’s military takeover marks the fifth coup in the West African nation’s history since it gained independence from France in 1960.

[…] Katja Dominik was appointed as Head of Mission of EUCAP Sahel Niger until 30 September 2024. She is a German citizen, currently serving as Deputy Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the EU Police and Rule of Law Mission for the occupied Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS). The appointment starts with immediate effect.

Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has given the green light for German soldiers to take part in the EU’s new partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger). This will allow the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, to send up to 60 men and women to contribute in the West African country to the further build-up of the Nigerien armed forces, which are fighting against Islamist terrorists and armed gangs.

Germany's defense and development ministers are in the Sahel region to assess the security situation. Their visit comes as Germany plans to withdraw peacekeeping troops from Mali while boosting cooperation with Niger.

Unlike its neighbours, Niger has made dialogue with violent extremist groups an important part of its strategy.

The German government on Wednesday paved the way for German troops' participation in a European Union military mission in Niger, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters after the cabinet decision. Germany intends to deploy up to 60 soldiers to Niger as part of an EU operation designed to support the government in Niamey in the build-up of its forces.

Blinken to be first US secretary of state to visit country amid concerns over Sahel security and growing Russian influence.

[…] The aim of the partnership mission, formally established on 12 December 2022 at the request of the Nigerien authorities, is to enhance the ability of the Niger Armed Forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Amid worsening security, economic, and humanitarian crises, the third Lake Chad Basin High Level Conference has begun, aimed at addressing a range of long-standing issues and the needs of the population, including some 11 million people, who are in need of assistance.