Niger

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) says it has received information about the beatings and rape of women involved in protest against oil companies operating in the Niger Delta. The OMCT said on August 8 Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje women had engaged in a peaceful protest against these oil companies, claiming environmental degradation as well as substandard employment and contractual policies. Army and Navy forces had been called on to disperse the protest. Tear gas had been used and...read more

At least 200 women representatives of Malian non-governmental associations have met to discuss democracy and sustainable development in their country, at a conference that started last Wednesday.

The president of Niger's human rights league, Bagnou Bonkoukou, was last Thursday sentenced to a one-year jail term and a 20,000 CFA francs fine (US $30), in a case revolving around last month's mutiny in the country.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed deep concern about the climate for independent journalism in Niger, following the recent arrests of two journalists and a presidential decree restricting the media.

A coalition of international organisations launched on Tuesday a regional project aimed at improving people's lives by providing them with potable water and sanitation facilities such as latrines, the US State Department reported on Wednesday.

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