Niger — sovereign state in western Africa

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Saturday, October 10, 2026

Niger

sovereign state in western Africa

In brief

The Pentagon announced Monday that it had finished withdrawing U.S. forces from a $110 million military base in Niger, Africa, as the nation’s ruling regime takes over. Niger’s Air Base 201 previously hosted hundreds of…

Gunfire and explosions rocked Niamey as attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the presidency perimeter, with Base 101 hit again and forces saying the situation was under control. Niamey, like neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, is under a military junta amid a persistent jihadist insurgency with groups including IS in the Sahel and JNIM active in the region.

American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout has been released from captivity in Niger and is en route back to the United States, with proof-of-life images indicating he is in good health. U.S. officials say the release was a priority for Washington and Africa Command, though details on how and by whom he was released remain unclear.

LatestIMF Reaches Staff-Level Deals Across Three CountriesThe IMF reached staff-level agreements with Niger on a new 38-month program worth about $203 million, with an initial $36 million disbursement pending approval, and with Pakistan on reviews that could unlock up to $1.21 billion. Papua New Guinea could receive up to $189 million after final reviews, also subject to board approval, as the IMF forecasts slower growth and higher inflation amid weaker resource output, climate impacts and rising costs.2d