African Studies
Utafiti: Journal of African Perspectives
Call for Papers: Utafiti is inviting you to submit your manuscript – any topic in the humanities - for consideration in the next issues.
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Security continued to be difficult, notably in the western (Tillabéri) region and the adjacent tri-border zone with Mali and Burkina Faso. The strategic stakes of the conflict with self-styled jihadist forces increased with the deterioration of the political circumstances in Mali and the withdrawal of French forces from that country. These were allowed to relocate to Niger, turning it into the frontline state in the struggle against insurgents. Relations with Mali were further impaired by the latter’s withdrawal from the G5 Sahel alliance. With earlier successful offensives, security in the south-east had improved somewhat. However, after a lull, attacks by forces claiming allegiance to Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province resumed. President Mohamed Bazoum put out feelers for talks with insurgents in the south-east and west. Some optimistically saw a paradigm shift along with continued expansion of the armed forces and a boost in arms procurement, but insurgent attacks later in the year on both fronts showed that the problem was far from over. With partial improvement of security in the south-east, groups of idps and refugees were escorted home to be ready for the planting season. In the wake of the 2021 elections, the government enjoyed relative stability. The opposition languished in the wilderness while Bazoum consolidated his hold. Growth was fairly robust, and it was expected that the country would benefit from a hike in oil prices and a long-term rise in the demand for uranium. Food prices went up as a result of insecurity, climatic conditions, and the fallout of the Russia–Ukraine war. Rains were abundant, and while this caused devastating floods in several areas, it boded well for the cereal harvest.