Agadez, previously a major migration route before smuggling was criminalised in Niger, is home to many footballers.

Agadez, previously a major migration route before smuggling was criminalised in Niger, is home to many footballers.
Reporter Olivier Dubois had been held by armed groups since 2021, while Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped in 2016.
Antony Blinken is the first US secretary of state to visit the West African country.
UNICEF says the number of children in extreme jeopardy has doubled since 2020.
First trip to Niger by a US secretary of state comes amid regional security crisis and growing Russian influence.
Blinken to be first US secretary of state to visit country amid concerns over Sahel security, growing Russian influence.
Effects of the war are still being felt in one of the world’s poorest countries as inflated prices eat into budgets.
The Muslim pilgrims were travelling to a religious ceremony in Senegal through conflict hotspots in the Sahel.
Forty percent of Nigerien children are not registered with government after birth due to the cost and time of paperwork.
Rebel fighters conducted separate attacks on Sunday and Monday, including 15 men killed after a minibus was stopped.
A recap of top issues in West Africa in 2022, including heated political campaigns and armed groups gaining ground.
Armed men on motorcycles abducted Jorg Lange, a 63-year-old aid worker and engineer, from the town of Inates in 2018.
President Emmanuel Macron announces end to Operation Barkhane after nine years of mixed results.
As attacks by armed groups rise, new data shows that open dialogue — and dance — work in fighting hate.