Tag Archives: Niamey

AMA

World Bank Group Appoints Johan A. Mistiaen as New Country Manager for Niger

MaraviPost

Washington, USA, 02 February 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The World Bank Group has appointed Johan A. Mistiaen as the new World Bank Group Country Manager for Niger, effective today.

In this role, Mr. Mistiaen will lead the World Bank Group’s engagement in Niger—spanning the World Bank (IBRD and IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—working closely with the Government of Niger, development partners, the private sector, and civil society towards advancing the country’s development priorities.

“Joining our team, clients, and partners in Niger is a privilege. I look forward to continuing building and enriching our strong partnership with Niger and leverage support from across the World Bank Group to help further the country’s efforts to promote inclusive growth and create more and better jobs,” said Johan A. Mistiaen, World Bank Group Country Manager for Niger.

A Belgian national, Mr. Mistiaen has been with the World Bank Group since 2004, serving in multiple leadership capacities, including as Practice Manager for the Poverty and Equity Global Practice in Western and Central Africa. His prior roles include Program Leader for Equity, Finance, and Institutions (EFI) for both the Kenya Country Management Unit in Nairobi and the Senegal Country Management Unit in Dakar. Mr. Mistiaen holds academic qualifications in biology, economics, and statistics from the University of York (UK) and the University of Maryland (USA). He has contributed to applied economics through publications in journals and edited volumes, focusing on welfare measurement and policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

The World Bank’s (IDA) active portfolio in Niger comprises 23 operations—13 national and 10 regional —totaling about $4.45 billion in commitments, with investments in transport, water, energy, and agriculture, alongside support for governance, human capital, urban and social development, environment, and the digital sectors. IFC’s committed investment portfolio in Niger stands at $50 million, primarily in infrastructure and finance. MIGA has $2 million in exposure in the mobile money sector and indirect exposure through West African Development Bank lending operations.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
In Niamey:
Mouslim Sidi Mohamed,
msidimohamed@worldbank.org

The post World Bank Group Appoints Johan A. Mistiaen as New Country Manager for Niger appeared first on African Media Agency.

Regional

Niger: Military helicopter crashes killing three people

Maravi Post Reporter 1 Comment

A Nigerien military helicopter on Monday crashed while landing at an airport in the capital Niamey.

Local officials said the incident resulted in the death of three people who were on board the helicopter.

Among those killed was an expatriate instructor, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The helicopter was returning from a routine training flight when it crashed on a military runway, the statement said.

The wreckage burst into flames, blocking rescuers from reaching the crew.

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A commission of inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the accident.

Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot dies after road accident

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Niger: Bazoum sworn in as President after coup attempt

Maravi Post Reporter
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Mohamed Bazoum has been sworn in as the president of Niger at a ceremony in the capital, Niamey on Friday.

The swearing in ceremony was held under beefed-up security following a foiled coup attempt during the week.

Niger has been on high alert after that incident and the new president now has a major task to restore order.

President Mohamed Bazoum is taking over in Niger’s first democratic transition of power since independence from France in 1960.

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Former President Mahamadou Issoufou stepped down after his two five-year terms expired, a move that is crucial in Friday’s smooth transfer of power.

Issoufou has said “Handing over power in 2021 to a democratically elected successor… will be my greatest achievement.”

President Mohammed Bazoum, 61 is the former interior minister under ex-president Issoufou and was his right-hand man.

Niger’s top court confirmed Bazoum’s victory in the presidential runoff, allowing for him to be sworn into office.

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But since Bazoum’s victory there have been series of attacks by armed groups culminating in the foiled attempted coup.

Former President Mahamane Ousmane, who lost in the runoff, has rejected the results, alleging fraud.

Source: Africafeeds.com

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Regional

Heavy gunfire heard near Niger’s presidency

Maravi Post Reporter

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Niger’s capital Niamey is on high alert after residents said they heard heavy gunfire on Wednesday morning near the presidency.

A resident was quoted by AFP as saying that “It was around 3am, we have heard shots from heavy and light weapons and it lasted 15 minutes before stopping, followed by shots from light weapons.”

Another resident of Niamey’s Plateau district said “the gunfire lasted about 20 minutes” but calm returned to the district though hours later.

This incident is happening just two days ahead of the swearing-in of president-elect Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger’s top court confirmed Bazoum’s victory in the presidential runoff, allowing for him to be sworn into office on April 2.

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But since Bazoum’s victory there have been series of attacks by armed groups.

Former President Mahamane Ousmane, who lost in the runoff, has rejected the results, alleging fraud.

Protests erupted with reported clashes between protesters and police in parts of Niamey when Bazoum was declared winner.

Bazoum’s inauguration on Friday will be the country’s first transfer of power from one democratically elected leader to another.

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The president-elect is a former interior minister and the right-hand man of outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down after two five-year terms.

Families of migrants killed under Jammeh sue Gambia, Ghana

Source: Africafeeds.com

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