Niger is one of the world’s least developed countries, ranking very low on the human development index. It suffers from many geographical handicaps: landlocked and very vulnerable to climatic variations, it covers a vast area (1.267 million km²), much of it desert. It is also experiencing major demographic growth – the population of around 13 million is growing faster than GDP – and has inadequate infrastructure. Niger cannot grow enough food to meet its needs, which means that the country is affected by severe recurringfood crises, such as those in 2005 and 2010. Its mining industry (particularly uranium) seems to offer good economic prospects and will have a positive impact in the future, provided it is managed correctly and revenues are shared fairly to promote harmony between the country’s various ethnic groups.

The security situation in the north of the country is fragile and a cause for concern. Illegal trafficking and terrorist activities of AQIM (Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb) in the Sahel region, as well as local rebellions (in particular of certain Tuareg clans) create instability, and temporary alliances are being established between the various groups. This – plus the difficulty of monitoring huge stretches of porous border in a desert area – makes it difficult to combat these problems.

Despite these constraints, over the last decade Niger had been relatively politically stable compared to other countries in the sub-region, until the political and constitutional crisis that erupted in the spring of 2009, which was followed by the coup d'état of 18 February 2010.

Key issues in EU-Niger relations

Because of the political crisis, Niger is currently in a consultation procedure under article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement and cooperation is partially frozen. However, the authorities have demonstrated a willingness to return to constitutional proceedings, and the stages and related government commitments of this democratic transition seem to have been clearly identified. This will allow a gradual return to full cooperation, if the commitments are met.

The fight against poverty forms the basis of the cooperation relations with the country, in coordination with the other partners involved.

Other key issues in the dialogue with the authorities, both in terms of cooperation and policy, are:

• governance, including:
  • decentralisation
  • justice
  • public finances
  • the role of women
• migration (Niger is an important transit country)
• security.

 

The priority areas for cooperation under the 10th EDF (European Development Fund) are:

• major macroeconomic budgetary support
• governance
• economic reforms
• support for growth in rural areas
• regional integration, including:
  • infrastructure
  • food security.