Feb 2, 2026

Niger Airport Attack Deepens Sahel’s Security and Diplomatic Strains$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

An overnight assault on the air base embedded in Niamey’s international airport has pushed Niger’s crisis into the capital, wounding soldiers and damaging civilian aircraft. The United States has ordered non‑essential diplomatic staff to leave, while other governments tighten “avoid all travel” warnings, signaling a broader reassessment of risk. As Niamey accuses foreign states and militants claim responsibility, the episode underscores how security, regime politics, and great‑power rivalry now collide in the Sahel.

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Premium Contents

Podcast: Development Without Aid: Power, Politics, and Local Resilience in the Global South$

by The North Africa Journal | Feb 27, 2026 | podcasts, 1PREMIUM, 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free

A conversation with Dr. Kate Schecter, President and CEO of World Neighbors, on how community-led development works in practice across the Global South.

Trump Sends Controversial Envoy to South Africa at a Diplomatic Low Point$

by The North Africa Journal | Feb 18, 2026 | Shield and Alert: Sahel, International, International, 111, 1PREMIUM, South Africa, Briefs, Politics, 1shorts, Africa, Sahel

Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in Pretoria as the new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, stepping into one of the most strained periods in bilateral relations in recent years. His appointment, amid disputes over Israel, Afrikaner rights allegations, and diplomatic expulsions, reflects a politically charged moment that could redefine the trajectory of U.S.–South Africa ties.

Algeria and Niger Relaunch Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline After Diplomatic Freeze$

by Arezki Daoud | Feb 18, 2026 | International, Algeria, International, Briefs, Business, Politics, 111, Security & Defense, 1PREMIUM, Niger, Sahel, Security, Politics, Shield and Alert: Maghreb, Shield and Alert: Sahel

Algeria and Niger have ended months of strained relations and announced the operational launch of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a 4,000-kilometer project linking Nigerian gas fields to European markets through Niger and Algeria. The move signals both a diplomatic reset and a renewed push to position North Africa as a strategic energy corridor.

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