Niger History

Events

French Occupy Niger

1890

Niger becomes independent but a severe drought devastates the country, which enters a period of political instability and coups.

1960

A rebellion starts in northern Niger, adding to the country's political unrest.

1990

Slavery is outlawed and Niger gains international prominence when then-US President George Bush claims Iraq was trying to obtain uranium from Niger for its nuclear program.

2003

UN warns that millions of people face severe malnutrition because of food shortages caused by drought and locust infestations.

2005

A new constitution designed to restore civilian rule approved in referendum; Mahamadou Issoufou becomes president in 2011.

2010