Niger - 9.1-Political and Security EnvironmentNiger - Political and Security

Niger, for the most part, has been politically stable and tranquil for most of the past 10 years. The risk of protests stemming from popular anger over high poverty and Unemployment rates, weak security conditions and corruption will remain high. Civil Society activists and the opposition organized anti-government march in Niamey in March. Nigeriens are not prone to rioting or violent demonstrations and such behavior is quite rare. Although some U.S. investors may fear the impact of political instability on business and investment, such fears are generally unfounded as foreign investment is welcomed by all elements of society.

In January 2015 Niger experienced an unprecedented wave of attacks on churches, bars, and ruling-party buildings sparked by outrage at President Issoufou’s remarks during a trip to Paris to participate in a unity march in the wake of attacks on the Charlie Hebdo office. The targets included 45 churches, 36 drink vendors, two individual homes, a Christian school, several buildings used by the ruling party, and many French-owned businesses.

General elections were held in Niger in February 2016, with a presidential run-off held in March 2016. President Mahamadou Issoufou was re-elected for a second mandate. Tensions over the preparation of the elections widened divisions between opposition activists and supporters of the incumbent president and his ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS). However, the second-round election proceeded without major incident.

Although Niger’s politics are often contentious and antagonistic, political violence is rare. Most parties agree that national security and peaceful cohabitation among Niger’s ethnicities are the government’s principal priority. However, protests and strikes about non-payment of salaries for public employees, lack of funding for education, and general dissatisfaction with social conditions remain a serious concern.