Country

Niger

Drones in the Sahara

A massive U.S. drone base could destabilize Niger — and may even be illegal under its constitution.

Keeping Refugees in Africa

Since last summer, the flow of refugees from Libya to Europe has shrunk considerably. The EU attributes this to its own successful policy, but reality is a lot more depressing.

Paying Migrants to Stay

Brussels is betting on an ambitious plan to transform countries like Mali into places people will want to live. But will a makeover be enough to keep would-be migrants home?

My Smuggler, My Savior

They’re migrants’ only chance of making it safely across the Sahara. They’re also outlaws engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Niger’s military.

Highway Through Hell

The human-smuggling route across the Sahara may have been the deadliest on Earth. Then the EU paid Niger’s army to shut it down — and made it even more treacherous.

The Extent of US Special Forces Involvement in Africa

Officially, the United States has one military base in Africa. But extensive reporting has revealed the existence of a network of secret military bases and outposts across the continent.

An American War in the Sahara

The U.S. military is building a major drone base in the Sahara Desert in Niger. Joe Penney looks at how an increasing American military presence will change the West African country.

Europe Slams Its Gates

A series on Europe’s controversial "pay-to-stay" effort to fight migration at its source.

Refugee Boom and Bust: A Global Gold Rush

From smugglers in Agadez, to factory owners in Turkey, to the Italian and Nigerian mafias in Italy, and small business owners in Greece, people making a killing off the global migrant crisis.

Niger: Baho's Last Fight

Poverty and unemployment have driven some youth in southern Niger to form violent gangs known as palais—attractive recruitment targets for Boko Haram. But one man is fighting back.

Less Is More in Niger

The rate of population growth exceeds economic growth in Niger where women have an average of seven children. Government officials hope family planning will become the best way forward.

Saharan Insecurity

In the heart of the Sahara Desert and amidst of some of the world’s biggest uranium reserves, terrorists, smugglers and bandits threaten to seize control of northern parts of Mali and Niger.

Niger: Feeding the Forgotten

A Niger drought means there is not enough food to feed the country; United Nations reports estimate 7.9 million inhabitants are facing food shortages there.

This Week: Europe Slams Its Gates

This week: A deep dive into the complexities of European migration, our grantees win an Emmy, and how the Internet hurt Myanmar overnight.

Museum of Current Crises

This lesson plan outlines a project that allows students the opportunity to connect with a contemporary crisis somewhere in the world.