Niger

To help political and civic actors: work together; ensure diverse voices are heard; and actively participate in shaping inclusive political processes that reflect the needs of citizens.

At the close of our Young Democrats Forum, over 100 young participants drafted a memorandum – a powerful statement of their vision for Niger’s future. This contribution feeds into the country’s inclusive national dialogue, a process led by the authorities to shape the country’s transition to democracy. The memorandum is a key step towards making young voices heard in Niger’s journey toward a more democratic and inclusive future.

Following a Democracy School session, 30 young people from various political affiliations organized a meeting at the headquarters of an opposition party. During this meeting, they engaged in dialogue on youth participation in their respective parties’ decision-making bodies. This marked a realization among the young participants that, beyond their political differences, they share common challenges. They agreed to continue to work together, because only a united approach can bring about meaningful change.

Following the 2023 coup, we collected citizen feedback and people’s ideas for a successful democratic transition. We surveyed 542 people from across the country. To ensure their views, ideas and standpoints were heard, we organized two large-scale conferences, bringing together more than 300 people, including regional authorities. It was a key moment for citizens to share their voices and expectations with those involved in shaping the democratic transition.

Following years of political uncertainty and insecurity, Niger achieved a historic milestone in 2021 with its first peaceful democratic transfer of power, as an elected president succeeded the incumbent.

The years that followed were generally politically stable. While progress on reforms and political dialogue was slow, President Bazoum did pledge to enhance democratic governance, raising hopes for a more inclusive and stable future.

However, those hopes were dashed on 26 July 2023, when a coup d’état ended 12.5 years of democracy in Niger.

The coup marked a significant shift in Niger’s domestic and international politics, redefining its alliances and governance trajectory. While the military junta has committed to reinstating democracy, there is still no clear timeline. What’s more, suspension of political party activities and restricted press freedoms, have raised concerns about the inclusiveness and transparency of the proposed transition.

As a result, Niger’s political landscape remains complex, and its future unpredictable. A sustainable return to democracy will require an open and inclusive transition process that addresses the needs of Niger’s citizens.

NIMD has worked in Niger since 2020, where we help political and civic actors: work together; ensure diverse voices are heard; and actively participate in shaping political processes.

Our focus is on fostering collaboration and inclusiveness, supporting political and civic actors to build processes that are fair and open, and ensuring those reflect the needs and interests of all citizens.

In the context of the 2023 coup d’etat, we believe that this work is now more important than ever. Because democratic transitions – like many periods of transformation – offer a unique chance to set the foundations for a more inclusive and responsive future.

To contribute to this future, we work with young people and women to amplify their voices, and we offer opportunities to influence political processes. We promote democratic values and teach leadership skills through training, dialogue and our Democracy School. And we create spaces where citizens and leaders can connect – through forums, roundtables, and surveys – to ensure decision-making processes are inclusive, transparent and responsive to the needs of all Nigeriens.

Lastly, we recognize the value of regional collaboration, and build on the insights and connections from our programmes in Mali and Burkina Faso. We also bring political and civic leaders together across geographical divides, creating opportunities for them to identify shared challenges, exchange practical solutions, and build a sense of collective purpose. This regional collaboration fosters solidarity and coordinated approaches to address the complex realities and shared struggles of the Sahel region.