Niger Tuareg rebel rejects talk of ceasefire Aug 20, 2008
NIAMEY, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Niger's Tuareg rebel leader Aghaly ag Alambo said on Tuesday his fighters would not lay down their arms and a pledge he made in Libya at the weekend was in fact a message from a Malian rebel group ... The MNJ accused the government in Niamey of a "treacherous" misinterpretation, saying the message was from Malian rebel leader Ibrahim Ag Bahanga to Gaddafi, who has acted as a mediator in Tuareg-led rebellions in Mali and Niger. (AlertNet)
Niger rebel says Saharan Tuaregs to set down guns Aug 19, 2008
NIAMEY, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Niger's Tuareg rebel leader Aghaly ag Alambo said his fighters would lay down their guns from Monday and, together with neighbouring Mali's Tuareg rebellion, submit to mediation by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Light-skinned Tuareg nomads in the Saharan north of Niger and Mali took up arms against their respective southern-based central governments last year. (AlertNet)
Niger Begins Building Dam for Food, Electricity Aug 5, 2008
NIAMEY - Niger began building its Kandadji dam at the weekend, launching a project expected to cost several hundred million dollars and boost power generation and farming in the landlocked African country. The Kandadji dam will be funded by the Islamic Development Bank, which has pledged US$236 million for a project that has been discussed for nearly 40 years but is now urgently needed by one of the world's poorest and fastest growing populations. (Planet Ark, United States)
Niger rebels attack northern town with mortars Jul 13, 2008
NIAMEY, July 12 (Reuters) - Tuareg-led rebels in Niger have fired mortars in an attack on the main town in the uranium-producing north, but authorities said on Saturday there had been no serious damage or casualties ... "This raid is the prelude to an offensive ... we are going to launch on Niger's army and the authorities in Niamey," the rebel group said on Saturday on its website http://m-n-j. (AlertNet)
Niger signs power deal with China Jul 8, 2008
"We hope that this new equipment could help increase the production of electric power by about 30% for the region of (the capital) Niamey, which means we will be able to provide between 50 and 60 megawatts," said Hamidu Mamudu, head of Niamey's existing power plant. An official from Niger's state power company was also travelling to Asia to purchase new parts for Niger's ageing infrastructure. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
CEN-SAD workers plead for AU governmentLibyan official commends CEN-SAD achievements Mugabe upbeat over African solution to post-poll crisisSomalia: AU leaders extend mandate of AMISOMAU to pay tribute to the late Aim CsaireGuinea academic supports KadhafiAU states may rebuff US sanctions against Zimbabwe ON THE WIRE 'No active major conflicts in West Africa'Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The 15-member Economic Community of WestAfrican States (ECOWAS) has hailed the prevailing peaceful atmospherein the sub-region, hitherto a hotbed of internecine warfare. 01/07/2008 Full Text... Jul 1, 2008
The Council welcomed the holding of a regional conference on the development of the Sahel-Sahara zone in Bamako, Mali in July 2008, as well as the holding of a conference on cross-border crimes such as drug, arms and human trafficking in Niamey, Niger. The meeting called on the two countries to liaise with each other in the holding of the two conferences to achieve greater synergy. (Panapress.com)
Niger says a rebel leader killed in army operation Jun 29, 2008
NIAMEY, June 28 (Reuters) - A leader of Niger's Tuareg-led rebel movement was killed when government troops backed by helicopters captured a rebel position in the north of the West African state, a government army officer said on Saturday. Niger's defence ministry had announced on Friday the recapture by the army of Tazerzait, at the foot of Mount Tamgak in the Agadez region, a position which Niger Justice Movement (MNJ) fighters had attacked and taken a year ago. (AlertNet)
Police arrest former PM in Niger Jun 28, 2008
Police used teargas to stop a demonstration of about 100 people protesting against Mr Amadou's arrest in front of the high court in the capital, Niamey, Reuters news agency reported. Mr Amadou is accused of embezzling 100m CFA francs (more than $237,000) and could face jail if convicted. (BBC News -- Africa)
French hostages released in Niger Jun 26, 2008
The aid organisation said it would take the four to the capital Niamey and hand them to the authorities on Thursday. The Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) snatched the group, who work for French nuclear firm Areva, on the weekend in the northern town of Arlit. (BBC News -- Europe)
Niger clears way to charge ex-PM Jun 25, 2008
The BBC's Idy Baraou in the capital, Niamey, says MPs approved the motion by 72 to 28 in a tense session. Mr Amadou is accused by President Mamadou Tandja's government of embezzling state funds. (BBC News -- Africa)
French workers kidnapped in Niger Jun 24, 2008
In Niger's capital, Niamey, the government confirmed the kidnapping and said everything was being done to ensure the release of the hostages. The mine is run by Areva - the French nuclear company. (BBC News -- Europe)
A semester in Niger Jun 15, 2008
Here in the capital, Niamey, where BU collaborates with Universit Abdou Moumouni, regular features of dorm life include round-the-clock security guards, sporadic electricity, and no hot water. But Cruz really only misses one amenity: "Besides my family, I am most homesick for air conditioning!". (Boston Globe)
The Fight to Halt the Desert Jun 3, 2008
The Niamey government signed the UNCCD in 1994 and ratified it in 1996. The national action plan was adopted in December 2000. (allAfrica.com)
2010 World Cup Qualifying May 29, 2008
Top images of the life on and off the soccer field for England superstar David Beckham. Associated Press Sportsupdated 2:01 a.m. ET May 29, 2008. (MSNBC -- Sports)
* Army launches offensive against rebels in Niger May 25, 2008
AFP, NIAMEY Sunday, May 25, 2008, Page 6. Niger's army launched a major offensive against Tuareg rebels, just as neighboring Mali tried to end the bloodshed after heavy fighting between Tuareg gunmen and its troops earlier this week. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
In pictureFrom horizon surprises to mighty melons in Africa's week May 3, 2008
Vehicles and passengers disembark from a ferry on the River Niger on Monday about 50km from Niger's capital, Niamey. where these pirogues are anchored - two days ahead of a regional summit on saving Africa's third-largest river from drying up. (BBC News -- Africa)
Leaders agree plan to save Niger May 2, 2008
The programme, which aims to prevent the river silting up completely, was approved at a meeting in Niamey, Niger ... The BBC's Idy Barou in the Niger capital, Niamey, says the plan includes building dams, hydro-electric plants, transport and fishing. (BBC News -- Science)
Niger, hit by Tuareg revolt, adopts anti-terror law Apr 21, 2008
NIAMEY, April 20 (Reuters) - Niger has toughened its anti-terrorism legislation to help its security forces fight a rebellion by Tuareg fighters in the country's uranium-producing north, officials said on Sunday. A law passed by the West African country's parliament on Saturday penalises the manufacture or possession of explosive devices, hostage-taking, attacks on transport and unlawful possession of radioactive materials. (AlertNet)
* Across the globe, the hungry are rising in anger Apr 20, 2008
More recently, in 2005, it was mass protests in Niamey, the Nigerien capital, that made the government sit up and take notice of that years food crisis, which was caused by a complex mix of poor rains, locust infestation and market manipulation by traders. As a result of that experience the government created a Cabinet-level ministry to deal with the high cost of living, said Moustapha Kadi, an activist who helped organize marches in 2005. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Woman in Niger sues over slavery Apr 8, 2008
NIAMEY, Niger - A woman who says she was held as a slave for 10 years took Niger's government to court on Monday for allegedly failing to implement its own laws banning slavery, the first case of its kind in the West African nation. The case of Hadijatou Mani, 24, was heard by a regional court run by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States because Hadijatou "believes she cannot get fair redress at any national court in Niger," said Romana Cacchioli, Africa coordinator of... (MSNBC -- International)
'Ex-slave' takes Niger to court Apr 8, 2008
The BBC's Idy Baraou in the capital, Niamey says many people in Niger hope the trial will open the way for more law suits, bringing this ancient practice to an end. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Africa)
Press Release: Statement by an IMF Mission at the Conclusion of a Visit to Niger Mar 15, 2008
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Emilio Sacerdoti, mission chief for Niger, issued the following statement in Niamey on March 11, 2008. "An IMF mission visited Niger during February 26-March 11, 2008 to conduct the sixth and last review under the current Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement, which expires at end-May 2008, and to discuss a new three-year program for 2008-2011 supported by a new PRGF arrangement. The mission met with the Minister of Economy... (IMF News)
Media rights body wants all detained journalists in Niger releasedDakar, Senegal (PANA) - A sub-regional media rights body, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has appealed to the authorities in Niger "to effect the immediate release of all journalists in their custody, until 'criminal' guilt is determined in a fair trial," theAccra-based organisation said Friday. 02/03/2008 Full Text... Mar 2, 2008
Gourouza Aboubacar, Managing Editor of L'Eveil Plus, a bi-weekly independent new spaper based in Niamey, Niger, was 26 February arrested and detained by the poli c e Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for an alleged defamation ... On 28 February, the journalist reportedly appeared before the State Attorney at a Special Magistrates Court in Niamey, but his trial was adjourned to 3 March, f o llowing an application filed by the defence. (Panapress.com)
Niger: Call for Release of Jailed Journalists [press release] Feb 10, 2008
"We call on the Niamey court to review its judgment in the appeal and to drop all charges against Souley and Ma ga and release them.". Souley and Ma ga of L'enqu teur were sentenced today by a court in the Niger capital Niamey to one month in jail and ordered to pay 40. (allAfrica.com)
Dry Season Brings On Measles In Sub-Saharan Africa Feb 8, 2008
Ferrari and his colleagues used data, collected by Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Niger Ministry of Public Health, on monthly infections in Niamey -- Niger's capital -- over a 17-year period from 1986 to 2004 to understand the seasonal dynamics of the disease. They found a strong seasonal fluctuation of the measles transmission rate in Niamey: fourfold greater than the seasonal fluctuation previously estimated for London ... Outbreaks in Niamey also tend to be severe. (Science Daily)
Tamale signs MOU with Niamey Commune II Jan 24, 2008
and Niamey Commune 11 in Tamale on Tuesday. Mr Adam and Mr Seyni Mounkaila, Mayor of Niamey. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Niger: Rebels Raid Town in South East Jan 23, 2008
Tanout is 150 km north of Zinder and 950 km east of the capital Niamey ... Since December, mines have exploded for the first time in the key aid hubs and trading towns Maradi and Tahoua and in Niamey. (allAfrica.com)
Tuareg rebels abduct mayor Jan 23, 2008
The rebels say they abducted 11 people, including the mayor, from Tanout, 900km north-east of the capital, Niamey. They are fighting for more autonomy and a better share of the profits from uranium mining. (BBC News -- Africa)
Niger releases French reporters Jan 20, 2008
"We thank all those who helped us - in Paris and here - and the journalistic community," Mr Creisson said on leaving jail for the French embassy in the capital Niamey. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said in Paris he was "pleased with the decision by the Niger judiciary". (BBC News -- Europe)
* Two French journalists released on bail in Niger Jan 20, 2008
AFP, NIAMEY Sunday, Jan 20, 2008, Page 6 ... French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said in Paris he was "pleased with the decision by the Niger judiciary which today led to the release of Thomas Dandois and Pierre Creisson, who have arrived at the French embassy in Niamey." ... The men's lawyers said family and friends had raised the money earlier in the day after the men's request for bail was granted by an investigating judge in Niamey. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Niger: Press Harassment Hinders Development Jan 16, 2008
With four private television stations, more than 30 private radios, and dozens of independent newspapers in the capital, Niamey, Vincent said Niger actually has one of the most vibrant and unregulated media industries on the continent. "There is real press freedom in Niger," he said. (allAfrica.com)
'Rebel reporter' in Niger court Jan 16, 2008
A French reporter arrested covering the Tuareg rebellion in Niger has appeared in court in the capital, Niamey ... Mr Dandois, who has dual French and British nationality, is due to appear on Wednesday, the BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says ... The journalists, who work for the Franco-German TV channel Arte, had permission to film in central and southern Niger for a report on bird flu but also travelled north to interview the MNJ, according to the Niamey authorities. (BBC News -- Europe)
Niger:Mine Explodes in Capital Jan 10, 2008
com: Niger: Mine Explosion in Niamey (Page 1 of 1) ... Niger: Mine Explosion in Niamey ... A landmine that exploded under a car in the Nigerien capital Niamey on 8 January killed one civilian and wounded another, agencies report. (allAfrica.com)
CPJ mourns loss of Niger radio directorDakar, Senegal (PANA) - The New York-based Committee to ProtectJournalists (CPJ) has mourned the untimely death of the director ofNiger's first independent radio station, Radio R & M (Radio andMusic), based in the capital, Niamey, after his car drove over a landmineon the city's outskirts. 10/01/2008 Full Text... Jan 10, 2008
Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has mourned the untimely death of the director of Niger's first independent radio station, Radio R dio and Music), based in the capital, Niamey, after his car drove over a land mine on the city's outskirts ... Mahamane, commonly known as "Jeannot," hit the land mine while driving his Toyota home through Yantala, a suburb west of Niamey ... The explosion, which took place near an electricity plant that supplies... (Panapress.com)
Niger reporter killed by landmine Jan 10, 2008
The director of a private radio station in Niger has been killed in a landmine explosion in the capital, Niamey ... The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the journalist was not known to be critical of either side ... An electricity plant supplying Niamey is also close by. (BBC News -- Africa)
Tandja labels rebel actions "terrorism"Niamey, Niger (PANA) - Niger President Mamadou Tandja has described the actionsby the rebel Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) in the north of the country as"terrorism aimed at instilling insecurity and fear among the population". 09/01/2008 Full Text... Jan 9, 2008
Niamey, Niger (PANA) - Niger President Mamadou Tandja has described the actions by the rebel Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) in the north of the country as "terrorism aimed at instilling insecurity and fear among the population" ... The MNJ, which has been in conflict with the Niamey government since February 2007, has already carried out several deadly attacks against military targets, mining companies and civilians. (Panapress.com)
Last of the Long Necks| Jan 1, 2008
The last West African giraffes have found a refuge in the acacia scrub just one hour's drive outside Niger's capital Niamey. Far from poachers and other predators, babies in tow, they extend their long necks to grab a mouthful of thorny acacia bush. (iAfrica.com)
Niger: Botched Birth Survivors Battle Fistula Dec 22, 2007
Thirty women lolling on mats outside a non-governmental organisation (NGO) recovery clinic in Niamey might well wish they had not been so lucky to survive ... At the Dimol recovery centre for women with fistula in Niamey, 60 percent of the girls and women there got their fistula while attempting to give birth too young. (allAfrica.com)
Niger: Why Are So Many Mothers Dying? [analysis] Dec 15, 2007
Fatima Trapsida, director of the Gazouby maternal health hospital in the capital, Niamey, says this is the first obstacle to getting women to the help they need: "Getting to a doctor can mean taking a horse and cart, waiting for public transport, or paying for the petrol for one of the country's ambulances." ... There are just 17 doctors trained to perform Caesarean operations in the entire country - seven based in Niamey and 10 in the regions ... "The system is still very insufficient," said... (allAfrica.com)
Possible Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Niger Dec 12, 2007
Human rights organisations and aid workers in the Nigerien capital Niamey say news filtering out of the north of the country suggests a humanitarian emergency is unfolding. The north has been affected by fighting since February 2007 when MNJ announced it was launching an armed campaign against the government to win more economic and political autonomy for people in the uranium- and petrol-rich region from the central government in the capital Niamey, 1,200 km south ... Several humanitarian... (allAfrica.com)
Humanitarian Access Cut to North Dec 12, 2007
In early December two explosions occurred south of the regional capital Agadez on the main roads to the capital Niamey and the eastern town of Zinder - the first time the conflict has spilled over to areas south of Agadez ... Agencies are currently considering the possibility of setting up a humanitarian air service to link Niamey to Agadez and possibly Zinder and Maradi in the remote south-east. (allAfrica.com)
NIGER: Rebels accused of launching Iraq-inspired "urban terror" campaign Dec 12, 2007
According to Reuters, on 21 November Nigerien police foiled an attempt to detonate an anti-tank mine in a fuel depot in the town of Dosso, 140km east of the capital Niamey. Agencies present. (AlertNet)
NIGER: News filtering out of north suggests grave conditions Dec 11, 2007
NIAMEY, 10 December 2007 () - Human rights organisations and aid workers in the Nigerien capital Niamey say news filtering out of the north of the country suggests a humanitarian emergency is unfolding. The north has been affected by fighting since February 2007 when MNJ announced it was launching an armed campaign against the government to win more economic and political autonomy for people in the uranium- and petrol-rich region from the central government in the capital Niamey, 1,200 km south... (AlertNet)
Red Cross Society of Niger concerned by food situation Nov 25, 2007
We have launched a series of water and sanitation programmes in the Niamey urban area, notably in about 20 primary schools where we have installed latrines. We have also restored water points and our volunteers have launched a hygiene awareness campaign aimed not only at the 10,000 children that attend the schools, but also at the teachers and parents. (AlertNet)
Niger extends state of alert in uranium-rich north Nov 24, 2007
NIAMEY, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Niger's President Mamadou Tandja on Friday prolonged a state of alert in the desert north, home to some of the world's largest uranium reserves, where security forces have been battling a uprising led by Tuareg nomads ... But he said that an attempt, foiled by the army on Wednesday night, to blow up a fuel depot in the western town of Dosso -- just 140 km (90 miles) east of the capital Niamey -- showed that the rebels wanted to widen their campaign ... "Most of the... (AlertNet)
Niger raids leaves 'ghost town' Nov 20, 2007
The government in Niamey denies that Iferouane, home to several uranium mines, has become a ghost town. But a spokesman admitted that rebels had mined roads, blocking supplies. (BBC News)
Nigeria: Citizens Flee to Neighbouring Countries Nov 4, 2007
A Katsina based nurse, Babangida Isiyaku says, "Look, it is not only the Niger Border which is only few kilometers away from here that our people are ready to go to; they are prepared to go to Niamey or even France if that is what it takes for them to get sound health for their children."There is poor health services provided in Nigeria. Even when the Federal Government is spending billons of Naira to construct and renovate hospitals, there are no competent professionals to provide the required... (allAfrica.com)
Niger rebels say kill 12 soldiers in ambush Oct 28, 2007
NIAMEY, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Niger's Tuareg-led rebels said on Saturday they had killed at least 12 soldiers and destroyed two army vehicles in the desert north of the central African country, but the military denied this. The Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ), which has already killed more than 45 soldiers during an eight-month uprising, said on its Web site it carried out the ambush at dawn on Thursday near Touara, in the region of Agadez. (AlertNet)
Food Is Not Enough Oct 26, 2007
Cows wade across a river beneath the skyline of Niamey, the capital of Niger, July 17, 2007. Niger, one of the world's leading producers of uranium, aims to more than double its output within the next four years as two new Chinese- and French-run mines come on line, a senior mining official said. (Townhall.com)
Medical group MSF halts work in north Niger Oct 25, 2007
NIAMEY, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has halted work in northern Niger after three of its vehicles were stolen in hold-ups in the region where a Tuareg-led revolt is underway, the international aid agency said on Wednesday. The Paris-based medical group said that in the latest attack, five men, one of them armed, stopped a six-person MSF team travelling in two vehicles between the northern regional capital of Agadez and Dabaga, a town 50 km (30 miles) further north. (AlertNet)
MSF halts activities in Dabaga, Niger Oct 25, 2007
and : Paris/Niamey - Monday morning, October 22, five men - one of whom was armed - attacked a team of MSF workers travelling in two vehicles by road from Agadez to Dabaga, where MSF has been providing medical care at the local health post since the start of October ... The six members of MSF's team in Agadez returned to the capital, Niamey, on Tuesday, October 24. (AlertNet)
Secret shameSurvivors of an awful childbirth injury tell tales of isolation Oct 20, 2007
HALIMA GOUROUKOYE, 18, NIAMEY, NIGER ... Then we drove to Niamey which took a day ... At Niamey they carried out the Caesarean. (BBC News -- Health)
Gift for his homeland Oct 15, 2007
Sangare lived his childhood in a mud hut outside Niger's capital city of Niamey ... But for one week each year, Sangare turns a basketball court in Niamey, a city of more than 700,000 people, into an oasis. (Albany Times Union)
ANALYSIS-Tuareg rebels in southern Sahara no Islamist threat Sep 24, 2007
Although neither insurgency has officially declared links to the other, they echo uprisings in the early 1990s when the light-skinned nomads launched full-scale rebellions against black African-dominated governments in both Bamako and Niamey. Peace deals brought an end to major hostilities more than a decade ago but the region remains awash with arms, largely beyond government control and full of unemployed youths. (AlertNet)
Reporter in Niger Accused of Rebel Aid Sep 23, 2007
NIAMEY, Niger A radio journalist in Niger has been arrested on charges of passing government secrets to Tuareg rebels during interviews, officials said Saturday. Moussa Kaka, a reporter for Radio France International and director of a private radio station that has reported heavily on the rebellion, has been held since Thursday for "conniving with the enemy" in his conversations with members of the Tuareg rebel group, the Niger Movement for Justice, said Adama Harouna, the attorney general of... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Clashes leave eight dead in Mali Sep 18, 2007
The prisoners had been handed over to the Libyan authorities and would be brought to the capital, Niamey, later on Monday, the spokesman said. There has been no official response from the government. (BBC News -- Africa)
Q&A: Tuareg unrestWhat lies behind the insurgency in northern Mali and Niger? Sep 8, 2007
While life is said to continue as normal in the capitals of Bamako and Niamey, aid agencies suggest the disruption of Saharan supply routes by recent events is being increasingly felt by people in rural areas. This comes alongside dislocation from recent floods which have affected some 14,000 in Niger alone. (BBC News -- Africa)
Niger: Humanitarian Crisis Emerging, Says Mayor Aug 31, 2007
com: Niger: NGOs in North Calling for Peace (Page 1 of 1). Use our pull-down menus to find more stories. (allAfrica.com)
Landmines kill 11 in Mali desert conflict Aug 31, 2007
(Additional reporting by Abdoulaye Massalatchi in Niamey). news is provided by. (AlertNet)
Niger: NGOs in North Calling for Peace Aug 30, 2007
Use our pull-down menus to find more stories. Enter your search terms. (allAfrica.com)
Suspected Tuareg rebels ambush Mali military convoy Aug 29, 2007
Niger's government said on Tuesday it had demined and reopened the road between the northern uranium mining hub of Arlit and the oasis town of Iferouane, which lies more than 1,000 km (600 miles) from the capital Niamey and has been isolated for more than two months ... (Additional reporting by Abdoulaye Massalatchi in Niamey) ... Onlookers watch as rescue workers (C) remove bodies from a minivan that plunged into a river after a bridge collapsed during heavy rains at the village of Soudoure... (AlertNet)
Gunmen abduct Malian soldiers in Sahara - ministry Aug 28, 2007
(Additional reporting by Abdoulaye Massalatchi in Niamey) ... Onlookers watch as rescue workers (C) remove bodies from a minivan that plunged into a river after a bridge collapsed during heavy rains at the village of Soudoure near the town of Boubon, 15 km (9 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, August 5, 2007. (AlertNet)
Niger seeks help from Sudan, Libya against rebels Aug 27, 2007
NIAMEY, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Niger's prime minister and senior military officials left for Sudan and Libya on Saturday to seek help ending an insurgency by Tuareg-led rebels in the country's remote desert north, a senior army source said. President Mamadou Tandja declared a state of alert in the region around the ancient Saharan town of Agadez on Friday, giving the security forces extra powers to fight the 7-month-old insurgency in which at least 45 soldiers have been killed. (AlertNet)
Niger puts rebellion-plagued northern region on alert Aug 25, 2007
NIAMEY, Niger: Niger's president has declared a state of alert in the northern desert region of Agadez, the first step toward proclaiming a state of emergency in the area where clashes continue with rebels. The decree, announced late Friday on state television, increases the military's powers in the region for three months. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Gunmen open fire on bus in northern Niger Aug 24, 2007
NIAMEY, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Gunmen in northern Niger thought to be members of a Tuareg-led rebel group opened fire on a bus carrying 60 passengers on Thursday before stealing their goods and setting light to the vehicle, military sources said ... The region around Agadez, more than 1,000 km (620 miles) from the capital Niamey, is home to some of the world's largest reserves of uranium but has long been notoriously unstable ... Onlookers watch as rescue workers (C) remove bodies from a minivan... (AlertNet)
