Paper short abstract:

In the situation of present rebellion in Northern Niger I will try to define different actors and analyse their motivations, interests, discourses, connections, splits and interactions with reference of possibilities for agency of the most affected ones.

Paper long abstract:

In Northern Niger people are faced with armed conflict between rebellion led by Tuareg and army of the state again. The situation of everyday survival in the North is hardened by increased presence of the army that is arresting, killing and torturing civilians on ethnic basis. Many left to the south or across borders. Getting provisions is increasingly difficult and anti-personal mines are creating tense atmosphere. Before rebellion burst out civilian movements claimed greater consideration of local population concerning opportunities, environmental and health issues connected with renewed interests by multinational companies in uranium mining in the pastoral region crucial for Tuareg and Fulani nomads. It is now one of the issues of rebellion that uses discourse of equal rights for all citizens of Niger. Most of the Tuareg don't agree with achieving those aims by the means of arms. The president persistently refuses negotiations and is suppressing journalists' reporting on rebellion, in spite of some voices in the government and neighbouring states that are encouraging negotiations and international organisations demanding liberty of expression.

I shall try to define actors and analyse their motivations, interests, claims, discourses, connections, splits and interactions in the situation, including interested governments, army, multinational companies, rebellion movement as well as divided public opinion and media with the reference to rather small "room of manoeuvre" the most affected people have. I find most important to find ways how least powerful in the situation could have more agency in deciding about their possibilities and living conditions.