Camer360

Niger’s head of state, Gen. Abdourahmane Tiani, has appointed Swiss-Cameroonian activist Nathalie Yamb as Special Adviser, a move she framed as recognition of her pan-African advocacy. In a statement, Yamb expressed “profound gratitude” to the Nigerien authorities and said the appointment—accompanied by the issuance of a diplomatic passport—signals solidarity with campaigns for African “sovereignty and dignity.”

Yamb, a prominent critic of French policy in Africa and a vocal supporter of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—said external pressure, sanctions and attempts at isolation would not deter her. Her message also thanked the CNSP leadership, the prime minister and the Nigerien public.

The designation adds a formal government role to Yamb’s media presence and comes as Niger and fellow AES members deepen security and diplomatic coordination. Supporters hail the appointment as aligning state policy with a high-profile advocate of non-alignment; critics argue it could harden rhetoric toward Western partners and further polarize debate. Niger’s presidency did not provide additional details on Yamb’s specific portfolio or terms of reference.