#Anti-Tinubu

[alabs1]

LDSG Warns IPOB, Obidient Fans Over Anti-Tinubu Protest Ahead of Chatham House Visitation in London

LDSG Warns IPOB, Obidient Fans Over Anti-Tinubu Protest Ahead of Chatham House Visitation in London

By Oyeniyi Esan League of Diaspora Support Groups under the leadership of Akogun Banji Ojo, has warmed London-based members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Peter Obi’s Obidient, to desist from plans to disrupt the arrangement to meet the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Tinubu at the Chatham House on Monday. This is contained in a press statement signed by…

[beardedmrbean]

Dozens of alleged protesters were brought before a Nigerian court on Friday, sparking outrage as many of the defendants appeared to be malnourished following two months of detention.

Four young suspects - who were arrested during major anti-government protests in August - collapsed on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain before being removed to get medical help.

Human rights activists have criticised the justice system as at least one-third of those brought in for the initial court hearing were boys aged between 14 and 18.

All 76 defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of treason, felony and inciting mutiny.

Activists said the defendants had been in custody since August, when protests over a deepening cost-of-living crisis ignited across Nigeria.

The demonstrations turned violent in some places as protesters clashed with security forces. At least seven people died, according to police, though rights groups have put the death toll at 23.

There were also nearly 700 arrests.

In response to Friday's dramatic court hearing, which took place in the capital, Abuja, rights group Amnesty International said: "Putting minors through these horrifying detentions for participating in protests against hunger and corruption is - so far - one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly."

A Nigerian rights organisation, named Enough is Enough, called the situation "institutional child abuse".

"These teenagers have been remanded in prison for saying they were hungry. Their place is in school, not prison. Release them now," the organisation demanded.

Some of those who appeared in court on Friday were charged with flying Russian flags during the protests.

Video footage of the demonstrations showed a small number of protesters waving Russian flags and calling on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for help.

Two months ago, 10 other suspects appeared in court, charged with treason and other serious offences.

They were accused of working with a British citizen “to destabilise Nigeria by calling on the military to take over government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu", according to the charge sheet.

All of the suspects in this case pleaded not guilty.

In total, 114 of those arrested during the protests were charged with treason. A judge has granted each of the defendants a 10m naira ($6,000; £4,700) bail.

Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation - annual inflation stands at more than 30% and food prices have rocketed.

[mynewshq]

A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

Early Morning Tension in Abuja On Thursday, Abuja awoke to a city steeped in tension. At the MKO Abiola National Stadium, hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered, their voices rising against a backdrop of severe economic hardship and corruption. Prominent activists like VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, and Barr. Kingdom Okere led the charge, with chants of “End Bad Government” and “Bring Back Subsidy” reverberating through the air. Their placards bore stark messages: “We are hungry” and “Tinubu, where is the change?” Among the protesters was 32-year-old Jane Hingir, who shared her emotional struggle to make ends meet. “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder every day,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. Jane’s personal story mirrored the broader national struggle, highlighting the everyday challenges faced by many Nigerians. Among the protesters was 32-year-old Jane Hingir, who shared her emotional struggle. “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder every day,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. Jane’s personal story mirrored the broader national struggle, highlighting the everyday challenges faced by many Nigerians. Pro-Government Rally: A Contrast Meanwhile, in stark contrast, a pro-government rally took place at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office same day. Organized by the Tinubu Support Group, the demonstration was marked by a calm and orderly atmosphere. Participants in this rally were given branded T-shirts and faze caps, displaying their support for President Tinubu. Led by Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the rally showcased a divided political landscape. The Dynamics of Hired Protesters A parallel demonstration involving hired protesters emerged. These individuals, recruited to oppose the anti-government protests, carried placards reading “No Protest.” Organized by a man who identified himself as Blessing Joel, they said that they were paid N5,000 each to participate. Many of these hired protesters came from the suburbs, highlighting how financial desperation influenced political demonstrations. Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, admitted that he joined the pro-government rally for the N5,000 offered. “I know things are bad in the country and the economy is not working, but the money was a big reason why I joined them,” he revealed. This highlighted how economic hardship often sways political participation. The March and Its ConsequencesBack to the story: at 12:02 pm on Friday, the anti-government protesters began their march towards Eagle Square. A heavy police presence, including FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh and security personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, added to the tension. A helicopter hovered overhead, intensifying the atmosphere. By 12:39 pm, the protesters faced a harsh response at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building. Security forces deployed tear gas, and reports emerged of a protester being feared shot dead while trying to escape. Despite this, the protesters regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, their determination undeterred. A Moment of Solace: Friday Juma’at Prayers In a poignant display of resilience, the Muslim faithful among the protesters observed Friday Juma’at prayers amidst the turmoil. This moment of solemnity stood in stark contrast to the earlier chaos, symbolizing their unity and unwavering commitment to their cause. We pray for peace, but we also pray for justice,” said Shehu Ibrahim, who led the prayers. The prayers not only provided spiritual solace but also renewed their resolve.Contrasting Responses: Anti-Government vs. Pro-GovernmentThe treatment of different protests revealed stark discrepancies. Anti-government protests faced severe crackdowns, while pro-government rallies proceeded with relative ease. This discrepancy drew criticism and highlighted perceived double standards in the government’s approach to dissent. The contrast became a focal point for critics, raising concerns about fairness and justice. Voices from the Government Amid the turmoil, government officials weighed in on the situation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed the nation on Wednesday, warning that the protests could lead to further violence and setbacks. His speech aimed to quell the unrest but failed to appease many. Read the full article

[ejesgistnews]

Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Today, Sunday, November 10, 2024 Good morning, Nigeria! Here is a roundup of the top Nigerian news headlines for today, Sunday, November 10, 2024. 1. WTO Confirms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Sole Candidate for Director-General Position The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General, is the only candidate for the position as her first term nears its end. The WTO initiated the appointment process on October 8, with member nations given until November 8 to submit their nominations. According to a statement released on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term back in September. Petter Olberg, Chair of the WTO’s General Council, confirmed that no additional nominations were received, paving the way for Okonjo-Iweala's likely reappointment. 2. Tinubu Reappoints Abdullahi Mustapha as NBRDA Director-General President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) for another five-year term. The decision, announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlights Mustapha’s achievements over the past tenure. Mustapha, a Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry from Kano State, is expected to drive innovation in biotechnology, focusing on food security and pharmaceutical advancements. 3. Tinubu Government Allocates ₦5 Billion for Renovation of VP Shettima’s Lagos Residence The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has allocated ₦5 billion for the renovation of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official residence in Lagos. An analysis by The PUNCH revealed that payments were made to Denderi Investment Limited for the renovation work in May and September 2024. Advocacy groups like SERAP have criticized the expenditure, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments, especially amidst the nation’s economic challenges. 4. Deji Adeyanju: "Even 300 Years Wouldn't Be Enough for Tinubu to Solve Nigeria's Hardship" Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has stated that President Bola Tinubu cannot alleviate the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria, even if given 300 years in office. Adeyanju criticized Tinubu’s policies, labeling Nigeria as an “anti-poor nation.” He remarked that the country’s economic status does not favor average citizens and accused the government of implementing policies that disproportionately affect the poor. 5. President Tinubu to Attend Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit. The summit, set to commence on Monday, November 11, 2024, will address the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. Tinubu is expected to call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. 6. Edo Governor Obaseki Excluded from Okpebholo’s Inauguration Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed dissatisfaction over his exclusion from the inauguration plans of Monday Okpebholo by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obaseki criticized the APC's move, describing it as lawless and asserting that the state government should oversee such events. Okpebholo is set to take office on November 12, 2024. 7. First Lady Remi Tinubu Denies Organizing National Prayer Event Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed reports that she is planning a national prayer event. Her media adviser, Busola Kukoyi, clarified that the claims circulating on social media are false. The alleged event had sparked backlash, with critics questioning its necessity. 8. New Terrorist Group ‘Lakurawa’ Attacks Kebbi Community, Killing 15 A new terrorist group, identified as Lakurawa, has reportedly attacked Mera, a town in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing 15 residents and stealing over 100 cows. Bashir Isah Mera, a prominent resident, confirmed the incident.

The state’s Governor, Nasir Idris, has ordered the deployment of security forces to contain the situation. 9. Obasanjo Says He No Longer Belongs to Any Political Party Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his neutrality, stating that he no longer aligns with any political party. Obasanjo made this declaration during a thanksgiving service in Abuja, held in honor of Chief Onyema Ugochukwu’s 80th birthday. His comments come amidst increasing political and economic challenges facing the nation. 10. Obidient Movement Confident of Peter Obi’s Victory in 2027 Election The Obidient Movement, led by National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has expressed optimism that Labour Party's Peter Obi will win the 2027 presidential election. Yunusa cited Obi’s track record and widespread public support as key factors driving their confidence in his potential victory

[newsbreak365blogs]

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Rauf Aregbesola, the immediate past Minister of Interior, on grounds of alleged anti-party activities and outspoken criticisms directed at key figures within the party, including President Bola Tinubu and former Governor Chief Bisi Akande. Aregbesola, also a two-term Governor of Osun State, had publicly opposed the re-election of […]

[gurutrends]

“This is nothing but an act of anti-party” – Anambra APC leaders criticizes Bianca Ojukwu’s appointment as minister

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has criticized the appointment of Bianca Ojukwu as a minister-designate, deeming it an anti-party move. APC leaders questioned President Tinubu’s appointment of Bianca, a member of the APGA Board of Trustees, as a violation of party loyalty and undermined member morale. High Chief Bunty Onuigbo of the APC, a member of the APC Elders Forum in…

[socialistworld]

STEP UP THE STRUGGLE AGAINST TINUBU’S ANTI-POOR POLICIES

STEP UP THE STRUGGLE AGAINST TINUBU’S ANTI-POOR POLICIES

STEP UP THE STRUGGLE AGAINST TINUBU’S ANTI-POOR POLICIES Build Action Committees at Workplaces, Campuses and Communities For a Rolling Mass Action and a 48-hour General Strike Now! One incontrovertible fact in Nigeria today is that […] Special financial appeal to all readers of socialistworld.net Support building alternative socialist media Socialistworld.net provides a unique analysis and perspective of world events. Socialistworld.net also plays a crucial role in building the struggle for socialism across all continents. Capitalism has failed! Assist us to build the fight-back and prepare for the stormy period of class struggles ahead. Please make a donation to help us reach more readers and to widen our socialist campaigning work across the world. Donate via Paypal

[smlblogtv]

Tinubu Orders Defence Minister, Military Chiefs to Relocate to Sokoto in Fresh Anti-Terror Push

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and top military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State as part of an intensified effort to eliminate rampant terrorism in the North-west, an official has announced. The North-west remains Nigeria’s most terror-stricken region, with four of its seven states ranking among the top five for kidnappings between July…

[lawblogng]

How I’m winning anti-corruption war —Tinubu

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu said yesterday his government was winning the war against corruption, citing the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies and the political will to implement the ECOWAS protocol against corruption, among other measures. He spoke at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, NACIWA, themed ‘’Strengthening Regional…

[beardedmrbean]

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria has detained some tailors for making Russian flags that were waved during anti-government protests this week in northern states, the state secret police said, in a move that underscores concerns about increased Russian activity in western Africa.

The Department of State Services (DSS) also said in a post on X that it had detained some of the tailors' "sponsors", without elaborating. It said an investigation was ongoing. It did not say how many tailors or "sponsors" had been detained.

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the brandishing of a foreign flag during anti-government protests as a "treasonable offence" after he held security talks with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

"We have identified those (sponsoring them) and we are going to take serious action against that," Musa told reporters, also without elaborating.

Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been protesting since Aug. 1 against Tinubu's painful economic reforms that have seen a partial end to petrol and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation and inflation touching three-decade highs.

The protests have now ebbed after a deadly police crackdown.

In the northern states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina, protesters were seen waving hundreds of Russian flags with some calling for a military takeover.

"We are waving the Russian flag because Tinubu's government is not listening to us. Russian presidents always support African nations' development, unlike other nations," Lawal Kodo, a 28-year old protester in Kano, told Reuters on Monday.

RUSSIA 'NOT INVOLVED'

The Russian embassy in Nigeria denied any involvement.

"The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Monday.

The protests in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, come amid increased Western concerns over Russian security ties with the region, including countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger where military leaders have seized power in coups.

Security experts said many Nigerian protesters believe that the cost of living crisis is the result of reforms dictated to Tinubu by Western institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

"The Russian flags that appeared during the protests in northern states, and the calls for a military coup, reflect discontent over the government's policies rather than showcasing support for a Russia-backed military government," said Mucahid Durmaz, Senior Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk intelligence firm.

[saynaija]

President Tinubu Seeks Stronger Anti-Corruption Structures and Regime in West Africa to Tackle Graft

President Tinubu Seeks Stronger Anti-Corruption Structures and Regime in West Africa to Tackle Graft President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on countries within the West African region to strengthen anti-corruption agencies in their territories and offer them ample opportunities to operate in order to tackle the scourge of corruption more effectively.He gave the charge in Abuja on Monday, August…

[mouthpiecengr]

Hardship: We May Invite Tinubu To Be Our 2027 Campaign Director - Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘anti-masses’ policies might jeopardise his chances of reelection in 2027. According to the Governor, the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration was implementing policies that were inflicting pains on the masses. Recall that the governor had earlier expressed his disappointment over President…

[ejesgistnews]

Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja Dies. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos at the age of 56 following a period of illness. The news of his death comes after the Tinubu administration initially denied reports of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja's passing. A Distinguished Military Journey Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja began his remarkable military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Commissioned on September 19, 1992, as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, he was a graduate of the 39th Regular Course. Over three decades of dedicated service marked his journey to becoming the Chief of Army Staff, a position he assumed on June 19, 2023, under President Tinubu’s appointment. Major General Taoreed Lagbaja Biography: The New Chief of Army Staff Roles in Nigeria's Internal Security and Strategic Operations Throughout his military service, Lt. General Lagbaja exhibited outstanding leadership in various critical assignments, serving in notable capacities: 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion: as Platoon Commander. Operation ZAKI: Providing security in Benue State. Generals Battle for Position as Army Chief Lagbaja Remains dies Abroad Operation Lafiya Dole: Contributing to anti-terrorism efforts in Borno State. Operation Udoka: Engaging in security operations across Southeast Nigeria. Operation Forest Sanity: Ensuring stability in Kaduna and Niger States. An esteemed alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to advanced military leadership and strategic insights. A Personal Loss to Family and Nation Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the Nigerian Armed Forces, paying tribute to Lt. General Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, echoed the nation’s grief, honouring Lt. General Lagbaja’s lifelong contributions to Nigeria’s security and stability.

[companyknowledgenews]

APC Chieftain Blasts Tinubu’s Appointees Over Unrest In North, Absolves Yahaya Bello, El-Rufai - Journal Important Web https://www.merchant-business.com/apc-chieftain-blasts-tinubus-appointees-over-unrest-in-north-absolves-yahaya-bello-el-rufai/?feed_id=157918&_unique_id=66b3516303b23 #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER Google News A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Jesutega Onokpasa, has blamed the Northern appointees of the President over the unrest in the region during the #EndBadGovernace protest.Naija News reports that Onokpasa, in a video shared online, lambasted the Northern appointees for failing to take any action in defending Tinubu’s government and ensuring sanity among participants of the nationwide protest.According to the lawyer, many appointees of President Tinubu, especially those from the North, do not love him nor support his government.Speaking further, Onakpasa exonerated the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-rufai, over the purported reports that they were sponsoring anti-protest against Tinubu.The APC chieftain said Bello and El-Rufai contributed immensely to the emergence of President Tinubu, maintaining that if the duo were not saddled with politically motivated issues, they would have risen to the violent demonstration in the North, restored calm and assured them Tinubu’s good intention.He said, “Nobody is perfect. I have fundamental differences with them, but they are our brothers, they stood with us when it mattered most. Who is perfect? Am I? No one is, not even Asiwaju that is perfect. Only our Lord Jesus Christ is perfect, only God is perfect.“Can you imagine, Russia? We are bigger than Russia. We have more population than Russia. Carrying Russian flags on our own soil, calling for military coup? That Yahaya and Nasir are in Niger? Doing what? Where is the proof? There is something really wrong with us in this party. We are just falling apart.“Now, so far, what I would say in the northern dimension of this so called nationwide protest, which is just an excuse for mayhem, if we had our members (Bello and El-Rufai) still with us, fully with us, free to do what every Nigerian citizen should do, if we had Yahaya Bello, if we had Nasir el-Rufai, these are people like me, they are not afraid of anything, they will speak their minds, they would have calmed down the North, they would have spoken up for Asiwaju.“I want you all to forget all this nonsense, let us come back together. Yahaya Bello, Nasir El-Rufai are part of us, they are our brothers, they have nothing to do with nationwide protest.” Rachel Okporu is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with years of experience in the industry. She is a graduate of Linguistics and Communication Studies. Likes surfing the Internet and making new friends.“A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Jesutega Onokpasa, has blamed the Northern appointees of the President over the unrest in the…”Source Link: https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/07/apc-chieftain-blasts-tinubus-appointees-over-unrest-in-north-absolves-yahaya-bello-el-rufai/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poebb-chieftain_600747bfe641b_l.jpg Google News A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Jesutega Onokpasa, has blamed the Northern appointees of the President over the unrest in the region during the #EndBadGovernace protest. Naija News reports that Onokpasa, in a video shared online, lambasted the Northern appointees for failing to take … Read More

[newsbreak365blogs]

The demonstration was organized by a group of socialist students under the banner of ‘Fight for Socialism’. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, a group of Nigerian and foreign students protested outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, calling on President Bola Tinubu to reverse his “anti-poor policies” and drop all charges against those arrested during […]

[beardedmrbean]

Niger's coup leaders have closed the country's airspace until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from their neighbours.

It comes after the Ecowas group of West African states demanded President Mohamed Bazoum be reinstated by Sunday.

Ecowas had warned that the junta could face military action and will now meet on Thursday to discuss next steps.

Meanwhile Mali and Burkina Faso, both also ruled by juntas, said they would send officials to Niger in solidarity.

Flightradar24 showed a transport plane had flown from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and landed in Niger hours after airspace was closed.

The growing instability in the region compelled former colonial power France on Monday to warn its citizens against travelling to the Sahel region, and for those still there to be cautious due to anti-France sentiment.

"It is essential to limit travel, to stay away from any gatherings and to keep themselves regularly informed of the situation," read a statement from the foreign ministry.

The junta in Niger on Sunday said it had information that "a foreign power" was preparing to attack the country, after military chiefs from Ecowas, a bloc of 15 countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Ghana, drew up a detailed plan for use of force.

It had issued a 23:00 GMT Sunday deadline to Niger's junta leaders to stand down and restore the elected president.

Earlier, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc's commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said that while "all the elements" had been worked out about an "eventual intervention", the body wanted "diplomacy to work".

Over the weekend Nigeria's Senate discussed the situation in Niger after President Bola Tinubu wrote to it about the Ecowas resolutions imposing sanctions and the possible use of military force.

Local media report there was strong opposition to military intervention, especially from senators representing states near the long border the two countries share.

President Tinubu has been especially vocal in demanding that the Niger military leave power and has threatened to use force if they do not - but he needs approval from the National Assembly for any foreign military intervention.

Italy and Germany have both called for an extension to the deadline to reinstate President Bazoum so that a diplomatic solution can be found.

Mr Bazoum was deposed on 26 July, and Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, later proclaimed himself the new leader.

The military takeover has been internationally condemned, France and the rest of the EU, as well as the UN and the US.

Hundreds of foreigners have been evacuated from Niger.

The coup leaders seem to be showing no sign of willingness to cede power, and on Sunday thousands of their supporters rallied defiantly at a stadium in the capital Niamey.

Burkina Faso and Mali earlier warned they would treat any outside military intervention in Niger as "a declaration of war" against them. The countries are both Ecowas members but have been suspended from the bloc since being taken over by the military.

Niger is a significant uranium producer - a fuel that is vital for nuclear power - and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa's Sahel region.