Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Feb 2010
Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Niger coup attemp

Sounds like there might be a coup attempt going on in Niamey at the moment. Anyone out in the desert to the north and heading south might want to spend another night out under the stars!

News - Africa: Gunfire erupts in Niger capital: witnesses
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Canada
Posts: 27
Slightly more news (speculation)

CBC News - World - Soldiers storm Niger presidential palace
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Feb 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
I think this comment to the CBC article has a handle on it - it's got 4 thumbs up already!

Niger has oil and foreign oil corporations operating in the Niger Delta. Funny how oil and corruption is ....

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Nope, thumbs down. The delta is in Nigeria. If there is corruption in Niger it would be more connected to French uranium.
As for oil, a Burkinian friend had it right: "I hope they never find oil here!"

Very few will miss Tandja, but we don't know who will take his place.
If the coup is successful.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
http://www.france24.com/en/20100218-...ca-tandja-coup-

This has the military statement on video. Lets hope what he says is true and it passes off peacefuly. They claim all land borders are currently closed.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Feb 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
back to business as usual

BBC News - Niger's coup leaders lift curfew

Looks like a new military govt is in charge - borders are open.

Ch

Thanks for the geog lesson, P ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
BBC News - Niger's coup leaders lift curfew

Looks like a new military govt is in charge - borders are open.
Good sign they want to return to business as usual. As far as coups d'etat go, this was a relatively nice one. Maybe we can visit even the Air and Tenere some day ahead.....

"A junta spokesman, Col Goukoye Abdul Karimou, earlier told the BBC President Mamadou Tandja was "safe and well".
"We are taking care of him - remember he is one of our elder soldiers," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa....Calling themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), the coup leaders promised to turn Niger into an example of "democracy and good governance" and save its people from "poverty, deception and corruption"."

Quote:
Thanks for the geog lesson, P ;-)
You're welcome, C

Last edited by priffe; 23 Feb 2010 at 07:05.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Niger

That's awesome news, guys - thanks very much! IanC and I are likely to be in Niger towards mid-March and give an update when possible.
Kobus
One ball One continent
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Border at Assamaka closed on February, 20

Hello,
I had an information from Tamanrasset dating rom February, 20.
That day the border at Assamaka was still closed, not only for tourists but also for Algerians.

Kind regards, Yves

P.S. the restriction in the frontier regions of Tamanrasset had been lifted.
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Thanks, Yves

I'm hoping it will change in the next few weeks! Please keep us posted. Got a visa for Morocco as well, so if backtracking is required after riding through Algeria, I have such an option - provided I can get a new Schengen in Alger...

Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Brief profile of the main players in he military.

Factbox: Key players in Niger's military junta | Reuters
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,
I was just told that Ain Guezzam - Assamaka is open again (22/02/2010).

Regards, Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Thanks, Yves, that's fantastic news! Much appreciated.
Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Thumbs up

Good news. If my French is good enough it seems Point Afrique are continuing their plans to fly back to Agadez despite the coup.

Trek Magazine : [Aérien] Niger : Point Afrique maintient ses vols, aerien, niger, point-afrique
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Quote from BBC:

"Meanwhile, the military has reportedly used tanks to surround the house of Gen Moumouni Boureima, the former head of the army who refused to back last Thursday's coup."

Hope this doesnt lead to a split in the army.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mauri Coup Richard Washington North Africa 14 29 Aug 2008 15:21
Possible coup/coup attempt in Thailand jefff8 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 2 20 Sep 2006 08:54
Coup in Mauritania ? Dizzie Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 9 Aug 2005 04:28
Mauri coup Richard Washington North Africa 11 7 Aug 2005 16:55
Coup in Nouakchott? Skonte North Africa 2 10 Jun 2003 18:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:31.