The Republic of the Niger, a landlocked West African nation, spans nearly 1,270,000 km2, making it West Africa's largest and Africa's second largest landlocked country. Its predominantly Muslim population, exceeding 25 million, primarily resides in the country's southern and western clusters. The capital, Niamey, is situated in Niger's southwest corner. Notably, over 80% of Niger's land area is covered by the Sahara Desert.
1900: French Expeditions and the Battle of Kousséri
Three French expeditions converged in Kousséri in 1900, ultimately defeating the forces of Chad-based warlord Rabih az-Zubayr.
December 1904: Creation of the Military Territory of Niger
The Military Territory of Niger was formed within the Upper Senegal and Niger colony in December 1904, with Niamey as its capital.
December 1905: Karma Revolt
The Karma revolt, led by Oumarou Karma, took place in the Niger valley from December 1905 to March 1906.
March 1906: End of Karma Revolt
The Karma revolt, led by Oumarou Karma, took place in the Niger valley from December 1905 to March 1906.
1906: Early Treaties Define Borders
Treaties between Britain and France between 1898 and 1906 established a rough delimitation of the border that would later be finalized in 1910.
1910: Border Finalization
The border between Niger (then a French territory) and British Nigeria was finalized in 1910.
1912: Capital Moved to Zinder
The capital of the Niger Military Territory was relocated to Zinder in 1912 when it separated from Upper Senegal and Niger.
1913: Famine and Food Security Measures
Niger experienced a severe famine in 1913, leading to the introduction of measures aimed at improving food security.
1916: Kaocen Revolt Begins
The Kaocen revolt, led by Ag Mohammed Wau Teguidda Kaocen, began in 1916 and continued until 1917. It was marked by Tuareg resistance against French rule.
1917: Kaocen Revolt Ends
The Kaocen revolt, led by Ag Mohammed Wau Teguidda Kaocen, began in 1916 and continued until 1917. It was marked by Tuareg resistance against French rule.
1920: Famine and Food Security Measures
Niger experienced a severe famine in 1920, leading to the introduction of measures aimed at improving food security.
1922: French Colony
In 1922, Niger became a distinct colony within French West Africa.
1922: Capital Moved Back to Niamey
The capital of Niger was moved back to Niamey in 1922 when the territory became a full-fledged colony within French West Africa.
1926: Territorial Adjustments
Areas west of the Niger River were incorporated into Niger between 1926 and 1927.
1927: Territorial Adjustments
Areas west of the Niger River were incorporated into Niger between 1926 and 1927.
1931: Famine and Food Security Measures
Niger experienced a severe famine in 1931, leading to the introduction of measures aimed at improving food security.
1931: Tibesti Mountains Transferred
The Tibesti Mountains were ceded to Chad in 1931.
1932: Dissolution of Upper Volta
During the dissolution of Upper Volta (modern-day Burkina Faso) between 1932 and 1947, a large portion of its eastern territory was integrated into Niger.
1946: Establishment of the French Union
The French Union, established in 1946, replaced the French colonial empire with a less centralized system. It granted limited French citizenship to inhabitants of the colonies and allowed for some decentralization of power.
1947: Dissolution of Upper Volta
During the dissolution of Upper Volta (modern-day Burkina Faso) between 1932 and 1947, a large portion of its eastern territory was integrated into Niger.
July 1956: Overseas Reform Act
The Overseas Reform Act, also known as Loi Cadre, was passed on July 1956, which granted French colonies limited self-governance and paved the way for Niger's eventual independence.
December 1958: Establishment of the Fifth French Republic and Autonomous Republic of Niger
On December 4, 1958, the Fifth French Republic was established, and Niger became an autonomous state within the French Community. Subsequently, on December 18, 1958, the Republic of Niger was formally created under the leadership of Hamani Diori.
1959: Banning of the MSA
The Mouvement Socialiste Africain-Sawaba (MSA) was banned in 1959 due to its strong anti-French stance.
July 1960: Niger Leaves the French Community
On July 11, 1960, Niger made the decision to leave the French Community, signifying its intent to become fully independent.
August 1960: Full Independence of Niger
Niger achieved full independence from France at midnight local time on August 3, 1960, with Hamani Diori becoming the country's first president.
1960: First Constitution and Code Napoleon Influence
Following independence, Niger adopted its first constitution in 1960, heavily influenced by the Code Napoleon, which was introduced during French colonial rule.
1960: Population of Niger
In 1960, Niger had a population of 3.4 million, which has since grown substantially.
1960: Independence
Niger gained independence from France in 1960.
1963: Planned Coup Attempt
In 1963, a planned coup against President Hamani Diori was thwarted, marking an early challenge to his rule.
1964: MSA-Sawaba Rebellion
Djibo Bakary's MSA-Sawaba group launched an unsuccessful rebellion in 1964 in an attempt to overthrow the Diori government.
1965: Assassination Attempt on Diori
An attempt was made on the life of President Hamani Diori in 1965, further highlighting the growing opposition to his regime.
1970: Niger Joins Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
Niger became a member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie in 1970.
1975: Attempted Coup
An attempt to overthrow the military government led by Seyni Kountché was made in 1975.
1976: Attempted Coup
Another unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Kountché regime took place in 1976.
1980: Niger Serves on UN Security Council
Niger served on the United Nations Security Council in 1980-1981, highlighting its role in international diplomacy.
1983: Adoption of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration
In 1983, Niger adopted the practice of farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) as a method to enhance food and timber production while simultaneously bolstering the country's resilience to extreme climate events.
1984: Attempted Coup
A further attempt to overthrow the government of Seyni Kountché occurred in 1984, highlighting the ongoing political instability in Niger.
1985: Tuareg Revolt in Tchintabaraden
A revolt by Tuareg groups in Tchintabaraden, Niger, was suppressed by government forces in 1985, highlighting ethnic tensions in the country.
November 1987: Death of Kountché and Succession of Ali Saibou
Following the death of President Seyni Kountché from a brain tumor in November 1987, his chief of staff, Colonel Ali Saibou, assumed leadership of Niger.
1987: Death of Seyni Kountché
Colonel Seyni Kountché, who had ruled Niger since the 1974 coup, died in 1987.
December 1989: Saibou Elected President
General Ali Saibou became the first president of Niger's Second Republic after winning a presidential election held on December 10, 1989.
1989: Implementation of a Single-Party System
A single-party system was implemented in Niger in 1989, concentrating power in the hands of the ruling party.
February 1990: Student Protest and Repression
On February 9, 1990, a student demonstration calling for democratic reforms in Niamey, Niger, was met with violent repression, resulting in the deaths of three students.
November 1991: Establishment of a Transitional Government
A transitional government was established in Niger in November 1991 to oversee the country's transition to multi-party democracy.
December 1992: Adoption of a New Constitution
A new constitution, replacing the previous single-party system and guaranteeing greater freedoms, was approved by a referendum in Niger on December 26, 1992.
December 1992: Constitution Adopted
Niger adopted a new constitution in December 1992, laying the groundwork for the country's legal and judicial framework.
1992: Truce with Tuareg Rebels
A truce between the Nigerien government and Tuareg rebels was signed in 1992, although it proved largely ineffective due to internal divisions among the Tuareg.
March 1993: Mahamane Ousmane Elected President
Mahamane Ousmane became the first president of Niger's Third Republic after winning a presidential election held on March 27, 1993.
April 1993: Institutions of the Third Republic Established
The institutions of Niger's Third Republic, aimed at establishing a more democratic system, were put into place in April 1993.
April 1995: Peace Agreement with Tuareg Rebels
A peace agreement aimed at ending the Tuareg rebellion was signed in April 1995. The government agreed to integrate some rebels into the military and provide support for others to return to civilian life.
1995: Legislative Elections and Economic Slump
Legislative elections were held in Niger in 1995, a period marked by an economic downturn in the country.
January 1996: Military Coup and End of the Third Republic
On January 27, 1996, Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara led a military coup that ousted President Mahamane Ousmane, effectively ending Niger's Third Republic.
May 1996: Adoption of a New Constitution
A new constitution was drafted and adopted in Niger on May 12, 1996, following a six-month transitional period led by the military.
May 1996: Constitutional Revision by Referendum
The constitution of December 1992 was revised through a national referendum in May 1996, reflecting political and societal changes.
July 1996: Maïnassara Wins Presidential Election
Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara won the presidential election held on July 8, 1996, though the election was widely seen as flawed due to irregularities, including the replacement of the electoral commission during the campaign.
1996: Primary School Attendance in Niger
Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance in Niger averaged around 30%, with a gender disparity: 36% for males and only 25% for females. Madrasas provided supplementary education.
1996: Net Primary Enrollment Rate in Niger
In 1996, the net primary enrollment rate in Niger was 24.5%.
1996: Criticism of Niger's Government by International Human Rights Groups
Since at least 1996, international human rights organizations have criticized the Nigerien government for suppressing dissent. They allege that the government uses regulations and police intervention to silence those who criticize its actions.
1997: Primary School Enrollment Rate in Niger
The gross primary enrollment rate in Niger was 29.3% in 1997.
1998: Decentralization Project Launched
Niger initiated a decentralization project in 1998, aiming to transfer power from the central government to local levels.
April 1999: Assassination of Maïnassara
Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara was assassinated at Niamey Airport on April 9, 1999, under unclear circumstances. His death sparked a period of political uncertainty in Niger.
July 1999: Current Constitution Established
Niger's current constitution was established in July 1999 after a referendum, shaping the country's Fourth Republic.
August 1999: Transitional Government and Adoption of New Constitution
In August 1999, Major Daouda Malam Wanké assumed power in Niger and established the National Reconciliation Council. This council was tasked with overseeing the drafting of a new constitution, which was adopted on August 9, 1999, and instituted a French-style semi-presidential system.
November 1999: Tandja Mamadou Wins Presidential Election
Tandja Mamadou emerged victorious in the November 1999 presidential election in Niger.
December 1999: Tandja Mamadou Inaugurated as President
On December 22, 1999, Tandja Mamadou was sworn in as the President of Niger, marking the beginning of the Fifth Republic.
1999: Constitutional Referendum and Establishment of the Sixth Republic
In 2009, President Tandja Mamadou made the decision to orchestrate a constitutional referendum with the aim of extending his presidential term. This move was met with opposition from other political parties and went against a ruling by the Constitutional Court, which had declared the referendum unconstitutional. Mamadou then proceeded to amend and enact a new constitution through the referendum, a move that the Constitutional Court promptly deemed illegal. In response, Mamadou dissolved the Court and assumed emergency powers. The adoption of the constitution resulted in the creation of a Sixth Republic, characterized by a presidential system, the suspension of the 1999 Constitution, and a three-year interim government with Tandja Mamadou remaining as president. These actions in 2009 ignited political and social unrest throughout the country.
1999: Fifth Republic Established
Niger established its Fifth Republic in 1999, marked by a new constitution introducing a semi-presidential system.
December 2000: Debt Relief under HIPC Initiative
In December 2000, Niger qualified for significant debt relief under the International Monetary Fund's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program.
2001: Ethnic Makeup of Niger
In 2001, Niger had a diverse ethnic composition. The Hausa people were the largest group at 55.4%, followed by Zarma & Songhay (21%), Tuareg (9.3%), Fula (8.5%), Kanuri Manga (4.7%), and smaller groups like Tubu, Arab, and Gourmantche.
August 2002: Military Unrest
In August 2002, Niger experienced unrest within military camps located in Niamey, Diffa, and Nguigmi. The government was able to swiftly quell the unrest and restore order within a matter of days.
2002: Departments Renamed as Regions
As part of the decentralization process in 2002, Niger renamed its pre-existing departments as regions, reflecting a shift in administrative terminology.
2002: Decentralization Project Implementation
In 2002, Niger implemented a decentralization project, renaming administrative subdivisions and paving the way for democratically elected councils.
2002: High Dependence on Foreign Aid
In 2002, foreign aid constituted a significant portion of Niger's budget, highlighting the country's reliance on external support for development.
2003: Primary School Attendance in Niger
Between 1996 and 2003, primary school attendance in Niger averaged around 30%, with a gender disparity: 36% for males and only 25% for females. Madrasas provided supplementary education.
July 2004: Municipal and Presidential Elections
Niger held municipal elections on July 24, 2004, to elect local representatives who were previously appointed by the government. This was followed by presidential elections, where Mamadou secured re-election for a second term.
December 2005: 100% Multilateral Debt Relief from IMF
Niger achieved 100% multilateral debt relief from the International Monetary Fund in December 2005, significantly reducing its debt burden.
2005: Slavery in Niger
In 2005, a study revealed a startling statistic: over 800,000 people in Niger, roughly 8% of the population, were enslaved.
2005: Radio Coverage in Niger
In 2005, independent radio networks in Niger, along with community stations, reached an estimated 7.6 million people, representing roughly 73% of the population.
2005: Border Dispute with Benin Resolved
In 2005, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Niger in a border dispute with Benin, primarily concerning Lété Island in the Niger River.
2005: Low Literacy Rate in Niger
Niger's literacy rate in 2005 was estimated to be a mere 28.7%, with a significant gender gap: 42.9% for males and 15.1% for females.
2006: Healthcare Workers in Niger
In 2006, Niger had a limited number of healthcare professionals, with only 3 physicians and 22 nurses per 100,000 people.
2006: Administrative Subdivisions
As of 2006, Niger was divided into 7 Regions, 36 Departments, and 265 communes of various types, reflecting the country's administrative structure.
June 2007: Replacement of Prime Minister
By June 2007, the relationship between President Tandja Mamadou and his Prime Minister had soured. This led to the successful passage of a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister in the Assembly, leading to his replacement by Seyni Oumarou.
2007: Conseil Supérieur de Communications in Niger
Daouda Diallo assumed leadership of the Conseil Supérieur de Communications, Niger's media regulatory body, in 2007.
2007: Second Tuareg Rebellion
The Second Tuareg Rebellion, led by the Mouvement des Nigériens pour la justice (MNJ), erupted in northern Niger in 2007.
May 2009: Parliament Dissolved, Political Crisis Begins
President Tandja dissolved parliament in May 2009 after a court ruling against his referendum plans for a third term, sparking a political crisis.
December 2009: End of Tandja's Second Term
December 2009 marked the constitutionally mandated end of President Tandja's second term, which he attempted to extend, leading to a military takeover.
2009: Second Tuareg Rebellion Fizzles Out
By 2009, the Second Tuareg Rebellion in Niger had largely subsided without a definitive resolution, despite a number of kidnappings that occurred during the insurgency.
2009: Constitutional Referendum and Establishment of the Sixth Republic
In 2009, President Tandja Mamadou made the decision to orchestrate a constitutional referendum with the aim of extending his presidential term. This move was met with opposition from other political parties and went against a ruling by the Constitutional Court, which had declared the referendum unconstitutional. Mamadou then proceeded to amend and enact a new constitution through the referendum, a move that the Constitutional Court promptly deemed illegal. In response, Mamadou dissolved the Court and assumed emergency powers. The adoption of the constitution resulted in the creation of a Sixth Republic, characterized by a presidential system, the suspension of the 1999 Constitution, and a three-year interim government with Tandja Mamadou remaining as president. These actions in 2009 ignited political and social unrest throughout the country.
February 2010: Military Coup and Establishment of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy
In February 2010, a coup d'état led by a military junta under the leadership of Salou Djibo took place in Niger. This coup was a direct response to President Tandja Mamadou's attempt to prolong his political tenure. The coup resulted in the establishment of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, with Djibo at its helm.
October 2010: New Constitution Approved
In October 2010, Niger approved a new constitution that reinstated the semi-presidential system of government from the 1999 constitution (Fifth Republic).
2010: Adoption of New Constitution
A new constitution was adopted in Niger in 2010, marking a significant step towards re-establishing democratic institutions and processes.
2010: New Constitution
Niger enacted its seventh constitution in 2010, establishing a multiparty, unitary semi-presidential system.
2010: Secularism Enshrined in Niger's Constitution
The 2010 Constitution of Niger declared the country secular and ensured the separation of religion and state. Articles 3 and 175 specifically prohibited future amendments from altering this secular nature.
January 2011: Presidential Election Held
Niger held a presidential election on January 31, 2011, but no candidate secured a clear victory.
March 2011: Mahamadou Issoufou Elected President
Mahamadou Issoufou of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism won the presidential runoff election in March 2011, ushering in a new administration.
2011: Transition to Civilian Rule
Following the 2010 coup, the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, led by Salou Djibo, implemented a one-year transition plan. This plan involved drafting a new constitution and conducting elections in 2011, ultimately paving the way for a return to civilian rule in Niger.
2011: Mahamadou Issoufou Elected President, Attempted Coup
Mahamadou Issoufou emerged victorious in the 2011 presidential election in Niger, ushering in the Seventh Republic. He successfully thwarted an attempted coup against his government that same year, leading to the apprehension of those involved.
2012: Islam Dominant Religion in Niger
According to the 2012 census, 99.3% of Niger's population practiced Islam, making it the most dominant religion in the country.
2013: US Drone Base Established in Niamey
A US drone base was established in Niamey, Niger, in 2013, marking a significant development in US-Niger military cooperation.
2013: Zero-Deficit Budget Adopted
In a bid to balance its finances, Niger's government adopted a zero-deficit budget of 1.279 trillion CFA francs ($2.53 billion) in 2013.
2014: Budget Allocation
Niger's budget for 2014 was set at 1.867 trillion CFA francs, distributed across various sectors like public debt, personnel expenditures, and investments.
2016: Issoufou Re-elected
Mahamadou Issoufou secured re-election for a second term as President of Niger in 2016.
2017: High Fertility Rate in Niger
Niger had the highest fertility rate globally in 2017, with an estimated 6.49 births per woman.
2018: Water Infrastructure in Téra, Niger
In 2018, Niger's water authority, SPEN, took steps to improve Téra's water infrastructure. They established ten boreholes and constructed a water treatment plant. However, these efforts faced setbacks as the water supply was exhausted within a year, forcing the treatment plant to shut down.
December 2020: First Round of Presidential Election
Niger held its first round of presidential elections on December 27, 2020, following the announcement by incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou that he would not seek another term, thereby paving the way for a peaceful transition of power.
2020: Young Population in Niger
Due to the high fertility rate, almost half (49.7%) of Niger's population was under 15 years old in 2020.
February 2021: Presidential Runoff Election
A runoff election for the presidency of Niger took place on February 20, 2021, as no candidate obtained an absolute majority in the first round of voting.
March 2021: Attempted Coup
On March 31, 2021, Nigerien security forces successfully thwarted an attempted coup d'état orchestrated by a military unit in the nation's capital, Niamey. The incident, which involved gunfire at the presidential palace, transpired just two days before the scheduled inauguration of the newly elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
April 2021: Bazoum Inaugurated as President
Mohamed Bazoum was sworn in as the President of Niger on April 2, 2021, marking a transition of power following the presidential elections.
2021: Niger as a Key Uranium Supplier to the EU
Niger emerged as the primary supplier of uranium to the European Union in 2021, followed by Kazakhstan and Russia, highlighting its significance in the global uranium market.
2021: Population of Niger
As of 2021, Niger's population reached 25,252,722, reflecting rapid growth from its 3.4 million in 1960.
July 2023: Military Coup and Establishment of the Eighth Republic
On July 26, 2023, a military coup overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, effectively ending the Seventh Republic and the government led by Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou. General Abdourahamane Tchiani was declared the de facto head of state on July 28, and former finance minister Ali Lamine Zeine was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Niger.
2023: Niger Suspends Cooperation with Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
Following a coup in 2023, Niger suspended its cooperation with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
2023: Military Coup in Niger
Niger experienced a military coup in 2023, reflecting the country's history of military intervention in politics.
2023: Military Coup
Niger experienced another coup d'état in 2023, placing the country under military rule once again.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Niger was ranked 131st in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, indicating its position in terms of innovation performance.
2023: ECOWAS Condemnation and Sanctions, Formation of the Alliance of Sahel States
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the coup in Niger and threatened to intervene militarily to reinstate President Bazoum's government unless the coup leaders backed down by August 6. When the deadline passed without military action, ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including the suspension of Nigerian energy exports to Niger, which had previously supplied 70-90% of Niger's electricity. In a move opposing potential military intervention, the coup-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger came together to establish the Alliance of Sahel States.
2023: UN Report on Poverty
The UN's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report in 2023 identified Niger as one of the world's poorest countries.
February 2024: Partial Lifting of ECOWAS Sanctions and Resumption of Nigerian Electricity Exports
On February 24, 2024, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) made the decision to lift several sanctions that had been imposed on Niger. This decision was reportedly driven by humanitarian and diplomatic considerations. In a related development, Nigeria consented to resume its exports of electricity to Niger.
March 16, 2024: Military Cooperation with US Terminated
On March 16, 2024, Niger's government announced an immediate end to its military cooperation agreement with the United States.
April 2024: Arrival of Russian Military Personnel and Equipment, Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
In April 2024, Russian military trainers and equipment began arriving in Niger as part of a newly established military agreement between the two countries. Concurrently, the United States agreed to withdraw its troops from Niger following the termination of an agreement that had allowed for the stationing of U.S. military personnel within the country.