First Independent Mena Newspaper
Niger’s military administration has seized control of uranium mining operations previously managed by French nuclear firm Orano, marking a pivotal shift in resource management following the July military takeover. This development represents a significant escalation in deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power, as military authorities implement comprehensive changes to foreign resource extraction […]
Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby has defended his decision to break military ties with France and ask for the withdrawal of French troops, saying that the security agreement with its former colonial master failed to provide substantial military value to the country amid various challenges, including terrorist attacks. Deby has said their defense pact no […]
Chad’s government is terminating a defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonial ruler, with its top diplomat saying his country has “grown up” and now wants to fully assert its sovereignty. As Sahel nations, from Niger to Mali to Burkina Faso, have ousted French soldiers from their territories and moved closer to Russia, Chad […]
The European Union has recalled its ambassador in Niger for consultations in Brussels after the junta-led authorities had on Friday (22 November) questioned the EU’s management of humanitarian aid provided to those impacted by severe flooding in the Sahel country. The EU recalled its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, from Niamey after Niger’s junta had […]
Niger’s military junta has invited Russian firms to invest in the country’s uranium and other natural resource production after French nuclear group Orano halted uranium output there last month, part of an ongoing dispute between Niamey and its former colonial master, France. “We have already met with Russian companies that are interested in coming to […]
At least 17 Chadian soldiers were killed in a weekend attack by Boko Haram militants on a military post that also left 96 of the attackers dead in the country’s west, according to Chadian army sources. The attack in the Lake Chad region, which has been plagued this year by frequent attacks from insurgents, happened […]
Turkey is diversifying its African partners, moving from east Africa to the Sahel and Niger in particular where Ankara sees mining opportunities. In this respect, Turkey signed a deal to cooperate in the mining sector in the covered uranium-rich but unstable Sahel country. Turkey and Niger signed a provisional pact to boost cooperation in mining, […]
The U.S. has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, according to an official announcement on Monday. A small contingent of military personnel remains to secure the U.S. Embassy, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said. Earlier this year, Niger’s military government terminated an agreement allowing U.S. forces to operate in the country. This culminated in […]
Nigeria’s military and the junta in neighboring Niger have signed a new security agreement that aims to bolster regional stability and security a year after their normally positive bilateral ties soured after Niger’s coup in July 2023. Despite strained relations and their shared border being closed as part of the sanctions imposed by the Economic […]
The Russian private military company Bear Brigade has confirmed earlier reports by the French daily Le Monde that it had departed from Burkina Faso after arriving in the country in May. The 100-strong Bear Brigade, with links to Russia’s Defense Ministry, is withdrawing its fighters from the conflict-torn West African country due to Ukraine’s incursion […]