- Over the past six months, at least 17 loyal soldiers were killed by rebel of the Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ.
However, the news unearthed by ‘Air Info’, a bi-twice monthly private paper unearthed has failed to give the number killed at the battle front.
The paper’s findings uncover allegations that the rebels had stolen large quantity of weapons from the Nigerien soldiers. In the process, the Agadez region reportedly had recorded a lost of more than 9,600 ammunition, 39 light and heavy weapons. It was also alleged that the MNJ rebels seized 30 grenades and two vehicles from Tchirozerine armoury.
There were reports of escape of 21 loyal soldiers from Agadez military barracks, resulting the sacking of the area, Captain Rhissa Fankaro, on 22 May. He is said to be with the command in the capital Niamey.
Frequent cases of absconding have been reported among Nigerien soldiers since the rebels launched their first attack on Iferouane military base on 8 February.
This development had heightened security fears and concerns in northern Niger where uranium exploration by foreign companies are in full gears.
Despite all the troubles faced by its citizens as a result of the rebel skirmishes, the Niger government flatly refused to negotiate with officials of MNJ, describing them as a group of armed gangsters.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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