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History of Niger

A landlocked country in West Africa where over 80% of the land area lies in the Sahara. 4 eras, 1464 to today.

Songhai Empire, 1464–1591 Draft, not yet reviewed

Sonni Ali established Gao as the empire's capital, although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century. Initially, the Songhai Empire was ruled by the Sonni dynasty, but it was later replaced by the Askia dynasty. At its peak, it was one of the largest African empires in history. The Songhai Empire collapsed after the defeat at the Battle of Tondibi in 1591.

Seat of power: Gao

Sultanate of Damagaram, 1731–1899 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Sultanate of Damagaram was a Muslim pre-colonial state in what is now southeastern Niger, centered on the city of Zinder. The Sultanate of Damagaram was founded in 1731 near Mirriah by Muslim aristocrats, led by Mallam. By the 19th century, Damagaram had absorbed 18 Bornu vassal states in the area. In the mid-19th century, European travelers estimated the state covered some 70,000 square kilometers and had a population of over 400,000, mostly Hausa, but also Tuareg, Fula, Kanuri, Arab and Toubou.

Seat of power: Zinder

Colony of Niger, 1922–1960 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Colony of Niger was a French colonial possession covering much of the territory of the modern West African state of Niger, as well as portions of Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad. It existed in various forms from 1900 to 1960 but was titled the Colonie du Niger only from 1922 to 1960. On 13 October 1922 the civilian Colony of Niger took control of most of southern and western areas, with a lieutenant governor reporting to the Governor General of French West Africa. On 25 August 1958 the Lieutenant Governor became High Commissioner of Niger, but remained Head of State of a quasi-independent state which controlled some purely internal administration.

Seat of power: Niamey

Niger, 1960 to today Draft, not yet reviewed

Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Niger left the French Community and acquired full independence on 3 August 1960, and Diori thus became the first president of the country. Since obtaining independence in 1960, Niger has experienced five coups d'état and four periods of military rule. Following the most recent coup in 2023, the country has been ruled by National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military junta, led by President Abdourahamane Tiani.

Seat of power: Niamey

Rulers

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