Burkina Faso is increasingly plagued by instability and internal tensions. The month began with reports of the first defections from the pro-government militias, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, and ended with the resurgence of tensions between the armed forces and the transitional government. Despite the support of Russian mercenaries and a significant increase in military spending over the past year, Burkinabé security forces have not yet managed to reverse the conflict’s momentum. The massacre in Mansila at the beginning of the month further highlighted this grim reality. Following the killing of a hundred servicemen stationed at the Mansila outpost, the government took precautionary measures by imposing a new crackdown on French media, suspending broadcasts of France24 for a month. However, this censorship failed to quell the discontent, with Burkinabé barracks once again in revolt, accusing the government of incompetence at best and corruption at worst. In response, President Traoré has sought assistance from allies in Russia and Mali. A mixed contingent of Malian troops and members of the Africa Corps arrived in Ouagadougou at the end of the month to support the transitional government, with President Traoré currently in a secret and safe location. Simultaneously, the government of Niger is on a collision course with neighboring countries. Following last month’s Chinese mediation, tensions between Niamey and PortoNovo regarding the Niger-Benin pipeline have returned. Beninese security forces arrested five Nigerien citizens, later revealed to be members of Niamey’s security forces, accused of illegally entering the north of Benin to conduct sabotage acts against the infrastructure. Legal proceedings against the remaining prisoners continue despite the release of two detainees. Meanwhile, to galvanize public opinion – which is increasingly critical of the government’s economic management – the Niamey government has revoked the license granted to the French parastatal Orano for managing the mega-mining plant in Imouraren. This long-anticipated measure, officially justified by the Nigerien government due to plant production delays, has sparked controversy. Orano warns against the negative effects on the country and region’s economic development resulting from the plant’s confiscation. At the same time, the junta celebrates the action “as a defense of the people’s will”.
The speech by the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum at the event “Italy, Niger. Europe, Africa. Two continents. One Destiny”, organized by Med-Or Foundation
On Thursday 1 December, the event “Italy, Niger. Europe, Africa. Two continents. One destiny” by Med-Or Foundation was held at Luiss Guido Carli. It saw the participation of the President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum
The number of African countries thinking of developing a nuclear programme is growing, while collaboration projects with Russia and China are increasing. By Emanuele Rossi
Head of state | Mohamed Bazoum |
Head of Government | Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou |
Institutional Form | Unitary semi-presidential republic |
Capital | Niamey |
Legislative Power | Unicameral National Assembly |
Judicial Power | Constitutional Court (7 judges); High Court of Justice (7 Members) |
Ambassador to Italy | Fatimata Cheiffou |
Total Area kmq | 1.267.000 km2 |
Land | 1.266.700 km2 |
Weather | Desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in the extreme south |
Natural resources | Uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, oil |
Economic summary | The economy is based on a subsistence farming and livestock. The agriculture contributes for the 40% to the nigerin GDP and provides livelihoods for over 80% of the population; there is also one of the largest uranium deposits in the world. Some issues concern food insecurity, lack of industry, high population growth, a weak education field and few job perspectives outside subsistence farming and livestock breeding sectors. |
GDP | $441 billion (Dec. 2021) |
Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $2422 (Dec. 2021) |
Exports | $2.62 billion (2020) |
Export partner | UAE 66.8%, China 8.58%, Canada 6.89%, Mali 4.13%, Burkina Faso 3.92% (2020) |
Imports | $2.75 billion (2020) |
Import partner | China 17.4%, France 15%, United States 9.09%, Nigeria 5.03%, Thailand 4.41%, India 4.1% (2020) |
Trade With Italy | $ 25,4 million (2021) |
Population | 24.484.587 (2022) |
Population Growth | 3,66% (2022 est.) |
Ethnicities | Hausa 53.1%, Zarma/Songhai 21.2%, Tuareg 11%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.5%, Kanuri 5.9%, Gurma 0.8%, Arab 0.4%, Tubu 0.4%, other 0.9% |
Languages | French (official), Hausa, Djerma |
Religions | Islamic 99.3%, Christian 0.3%, Animist 0.2% |
Urbanization | 16,9% (2022) |
Literacy | 35.1% |
Independent since 1960, the West African state of Niger borders with Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin to the south, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Chad to the east, and Algeria and Libya to the north. Its population is estimated to be 24.1 million, divided into nine ethnic groups. The country’s official language is French.
Because of its geographic position Niger is at the centre of migration routes towards the Mediterranean. It has been the target of multiple attacks by jihadist groups based in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad region. Thanks to its abundant uranium fields, Niger is also one of the most important players in the energy market in the region. This strategic mix of factors explains why the country is at the centre of many defence and humanitarian initiatives.
Trade flows between Italy and Niger amount to €25 million in 2021. Italian exports to Niger mainly comprise clothing items, machinery for general and special uses, and food, while imports from the country include components for the automotive and aerospace industries. To support Niger in tackling instability in the Sahel, Italy has started a wide range of different partnerships. Since 2018, Italy has been running a military mission to support the Republic of Niger (MISIN), and has subsequently undertaken initiatives to help the country manage the Covid-19 pandemic.