From 7 to 9 February, the president of the National Council, Irène Kälin, will travel to Niger in West Africa, whose 24 million inhabitants experienced the first democratic change of power in Nigerien history in 2021. The Swiss delegation also includes President Ignazio Cassis and ICRC President Peter Maurer.

The countries in the Sahel region, a priority area in Switzerland's Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy, are confronted with major challenges. Violent extremism is on the rise in the border regions and is jeopardising the security situation in Niger. This exacerbates the humanitarian crisis - some 3.7 million Nigeriens are dependent on humanitarian aid - and increases poverty. There are few work and educational opportunities for the young population. Niger is not only one of the most vulnerable countries in the world,[1] it is also the most important transit country for migration flows from West Africa to Europe.

Humanitarian aid, education and migration are among the key topics to be addressed during the Swiss delegation's trip to Niger.

  • At a physical rehabilitation centre in Agadez, the Swiss delegation will meet people with disabilities who are particularly in need of protection and support in fragile contexts. The ICRC centre provides them with technical aids such as wheelchairs and helps them to integrate into society and professional life. Under the 2020-2023 Foreign Policy Strategy, Switzerland uses its partnership with the ICRC to protect people in need and to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. Accompanied by this high-level delegation, President Cassis is underlining Switzerland's humanitarian tradition across the continent.
  • In the city of Maradi, the delegation will visit an SDC project that aims to help reduce illiteracy. In Niger, only about half of all children go to school.
  • The itinerary also includes a visit to a migration centre, where migrants in need can receive psychological counselling and training. The centre receives funding from Switzerland. One of the goals of Swiss migration policy is to help people in their local context and provide them with opportunities, thereby discouraging them from irregular migration.

High-level contacts in Niamey

In the capital Niamey, the Swiss delegation will meet Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Niger, international cooperation, regional issues, climate change and the humanitarian situation in the Sahel. In addition, Ms Kälin will meet her counterpart in the Nigerien National Assembly, Mr Seini Oumarou.