Timeline of Niger

Chronology

14 events spanning the history of Niger. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1890

   French occupy Niger.

   French occupy Niger.

2. 1958

   Niger becomes autonomous republic of the French Community.

   Niger becomes autonomous republic of the French Community.

3. 1960

   Niger gained independence from France. Hamani Diori was president.

   Niger gained independence from France. Hamani Diori was president.

4. 1968 – 1973

   Severe drought devastates Niger’s livestock and crop production.

   Severe drought devastates Niger’s livestock and crop production.

5. 1989

   A new constitution brings Niger back to civilian rule, but under a one-party system.

   A new constitution brings Niger back to civilian rule, but under a one-party system; Seybou re-elected president.

6. 1990

   Rebellion by Tuareg people in the north begins.

   Rebellion by Tuareg people in the north begins.

7. 1993

   The first democratic government was elected.

   The first democratic government was elected.

8. 1995

   Ceasefire between the government and the Tuareg’s Revolutionary Armed Forces.

   Ceasefire between the government and the Tuareg’s Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Sahara comes into effect.

9. 2001

   Niger bans hunting in an effort to save its wildlife population.

   Niger bans hunting in an effort to save its wildlife population, which includes the lion, the giraffe and the hippopotamus.

10. 2003

    Niger made slavery a crime.

    Niger made slavery a crime with a penalty of up to 30 years in jail, but continued to turn a blind eye to the practice.