Pan-African activist Nathalie Yamb has received a warm welcome in Niger after being sanctioned by the European Union, finding solidarity from the country’s leadership in what she describes as a shared political struggle.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, 11 August 2025, after meeting with Niger’s Head of State, Army General Abourahamane Tiani, Ms. Yamb recounted the purpose of her visit.
“I have just been received by the Army General, Head of State, the President of the Republic and of the CNSP following the sanctions that the Council of the European Union has taken against me,” she said.
The Swiss-Cameroonian activist — known for her outspoken criticism of France and Western influence in Africa — was sanctioned by the EU for what it described in its Official Journal as “pro-Russian activities and positions.” The measures include an entry ban and a freeze on her assets within the bloc.
According to EU authorities, Ms. Yamb has “openly supported Russia” since attending the 2019 Russia-Africa summit in Sochi, adopting what they term “Moscow’s language” while seeking to “oust France and the West from the African continent.”
Responding to these accusations, Ms. Yamb insisted she would not be deterred.
“A month or more than a month ago, I was sanctioned because I was accused of wanting to oust France and the European Union from the African continent, as if that were a crime,” she said.
She added that the sanctions had strengthened her resolve.
“These sanctions are confirmation that I am in the right fight, that we are in the right fight… for me, it is an encouragement to move forward,” she declared.
Expressing gratitude for Niger’s backing, Ms. Yamb said: “I was absolutely honored to hear from the President of the Republic and the members of the CNSP that they thank me for the fight I am leading and that they assure me that we will continue it together until the end of the tunnel, until victory.”
Often referred to as the “Lady of Sochi,” Ms. Yamb remains a polarising figure on the African political stage — one whose advocacy continues to draw both condemnation abroad and steadfast support from allies in the region.
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