Humans have inhabited present-day Niger since prehistoric times, with evidence of early activity dating back 60,000 years. The region hosted ancient rock carvings and pastoral communities from 7,000 BCE. Once fertile, it supported large settlements and cattle herding until the climate became arid around 2500 BCE.
Hamani Diori was the first President of the Republic of Niger. He was appointed to that office in 1960, when Niger gained independence from France. Although corruption was a common feature of his administration, he gained international respect for his role as a spokesman for African affairs and as a popular arbitrator in conflicts. His rule ended with a military coup in 1974.
Ms. Aïchatou Mindaoudou Souleymane is a Nigerien diplomat, an international and constitutional lawyer who served as the United Nations' Special Representative for Côte d'Ivoire and Head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) from 2013 to 2017. Previously she was Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) in the African Union and United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur Sudan (UNAMID) from 2011 to 2012. From 2012 to 2013 she was the Acting Joint Special Representative and the Acting Joint Chief Mediator in UNAMID.
Nassirou Sabo is a Nigerien politician. He was appointed as Minister of Economic Promotion in the government named on March 2, 1990. Later, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration in the government of Prime Minister Hama Amadou named on January 5, 2000, serving in that position until he was replaced by Aïchatou Mindaoudou in the next government, named on September 17, 2001. He is a member of the National Movement for the Development of Society (MNSD) and served as the party's Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs.
Mohamed Bazoum is a Nigerien politician who served as the 10th president of Niger from 2021 to 2023. He assumed office in April 2021 after winning the 2020–21 presidential election and surviving a coup d'état attempt. He was ousted in the 2023 Nigerien coup d'état by members of the presidential guard and the armed forces led by Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Moumouni Adamou Djermakoye was a Nigerien politician and the President of the Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress. He was an important minister during the regime of Seyni Kountché and subsequently served as Niger's Ambassador to the United States from 1988 to 1991; later, after founding the ANDP, he served as President of the National Assembly of Niger from 1993 to 1994. He was the ANDP's candidate in four presidential elections, beginning in 1993; he was also a deputy in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2009 and the President of the High Court of Justice from 2005 to 2009.
Adamou Mayaki was a Nigerien politician and diplomat. Mayaki was the Foreign Minister of Niger from 1963 to 1965, and a leading member of the ruling PPN-RDA party.
Abdou Sidikou was a Nigerien politician and diplomat. Sidikou was the Foreign Minister of Niger from 1967 to 1970 under Hamani Diori.
The Republic of Niger has had seven constitutions, two substantial constitutional revisions, and two periods of rule by decree since its independence from French colonial rule in 1960. The "Seventh Republic" operated under the Constitution of 2010 until its dissolution in 2023 by General Abdourahamane Tchiani in a coup d'état.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Niger:
The 1974 Nigerien coup d'état was a largely bloodless military insurrection which overthrew the first postcolonial government of Niger. The government that followed, while plagued by coup attempts of its own, survived until 1991.
The Cabinet of Niger is made up of the appointed heads of Niger's government Ministries. Ministers are chosen from the elected members of the National Assembly of Niger. According to the Constitution of 18 July 1999 the Prime Minister of Niger proposes the membership of the Council of Ministers, and the President of Niger appoints the Ministers, which is then authorized by the National Assembly. The Council of ministers meets at the discretion of the President, advises him on policy, and implements the policies he formulates. The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister of Niger, whose name is put forward by the National Assembly, and accepted by the President. The Assembly may remove the Prime minister by a vote of no confidence.
The Nigerien Action Bloc was a political party in Niger in 1955 and 1956 led by Issoufou Saidou Djermakoye, a traditional chief and former chairman of the Nigerien Progressive Party (PPN).
Aïchatou Boulama Kané is a Nigerien politician. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger and later served as Minister of Planning, both in 2016. Six years later in 2022, she was Niger's ambassador to France.
Aissa Diori also known as Aïchatou Diori was the wife of Hamani Diori and the First Lady of Niger. She amassed a large wealth through corruption, including high-priced real estate. She was killed in the 1974 Nigerien coup d'état.
Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou's government governed Niger from 9 April 2021 until its overthrow by the military following the 2023 Nigerien coup d'état on 26 July and its replacement by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
Marcel Inné was a Nigerien teacher, union leader, local politician, radio director, and Minister of Education.
