Situation eased slightly after Nigerien Movement for Justice (MNJ) announced Ramadan truce. Government accused of using state of emergency to arrest critics. MNJ claimed government landmine killed 2 near Iférouane 2 September. MNJ had reportedly mined approaches to the town, cutting it off for 2 months. Tuareg-led rebels released 14 government soldiers to Libyan authorities 17 September in apparent Ramadan peace gesture mediated by Libyan leader Col. Gaddafi, who has been accused of supplying weapons to rebels.

Fighting continued between Tuareg rebel group Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice (MNJ) and government. MNJ released additional 6 soldiers held since June; claimed responsibility for 10 August attacks on fuel depot and electricity supplier to uranium mines: at least 2 civilians killed in cross-fire with soldiers. 4 soldiers killed by MNJ landmine 20 August. MNJ vowed to continue attacks until government takes seriously demands for greater revenue sharing from mining. Government refused talks: requested support from neighbours. President Mamadou Tandja announced 1 August Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi met with MNJ leaders, told them to lay down arms. Tandja declared 3-month state of alert in north 24 August, expanding arrest and detention powers of security forces.

Northern conflict between government and Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice (MNJ) Tuareg rebel group continued. MNJ claimed responsibility for deaths of 10 soldiers 23 July and 4 July attack on electricity company for uranium mines; later released Chinese hostage and 3 soldiers, but called on mining companies to withdraw expatriate staff “for their own safety”. 4 soldiers reportedly killed by MNJ landmine near Agadez 31 July. Nigerian military made first public statement on MNJ 10 July, claiming they benefit from external support. Government warned journalists against focusing on MNJ attacks. RFI local broadcasts suspended for month following 18 July interview with former army officer-turned-rebel Kindo Zada who announced joining MNJ. Burkina Faso FM Djibril Bassolet said Ouagadougou willing to mediate though Niamey has ruled out negotiations.

Insecurity mounted in northern region of Agadez with surge in attacks from recently formed Tuareg Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice (MNJ). 15 government soldiers died in attack on army outpost in Tazerzait region 22 June. Government and rebel forces agreed to halt military action during ICRC visit to MNJ camp (from 26 June) to care for wounded fighters. President Mamadou Tandja refuses to recognise MNJ. Government of PM Hama Amadou dismissed 31 May over fraud accusations. Former infrastructure minister Seini Oumarou to replace Amadou despite opposition complaints Oumarou implicated in same corruption scandal.

Parliament approved over $60 million in extra funds to help confront northern Tuareg rebels threatening uranium mining and oil exploration. New Tuareg rebel group, Mouvement des Nigeriens pour la Justice, claimed responsibility for recent violence as response to neglect of northern region by Niamey.

Attack on French-run uranium mine in north 20 April, 1 soldier dead. Movement of Nigerians for Justice blamed.

Movement of Nigerians for Justice, new Touareg group, attacked army base near remote northern town Iferouane, 8 February; 3 soldiers killed and 2 kidnapped.

Government announced plan to expel 150,000 Mahamid Arab refugees, most of whom fled Chad in 1980s, citing security threat to indigenous communities. Move sparked international and domestic protest and fears of ethnic violence. Government spokesman later said only those without legal papers would have to leave. 5,000 people held demonstration in eastern town of Diffa urging government to carry out full expulsion.

Government continues crackdown on media. Director of one newspaper jailed for “defamation” for 6 months. Three radio journalists briefly detained for broadcast on dispute between farmers.

Government closed only state-run university after protests by hundreds of students and launched crackdown on independent media, closing down 15 private radio stations and removing editors of two weekly newspapers.