Niger has officially appointed activist Nathalie Yamb as a special advisor to President Abdourahmane Tiani, granting her a diplomatic passport, authorities confirmed on August 21, 2025.
The announcement, made public by Abdourahamane Oumarou, head of Urgences panafricanistes Niger, marks a significant political move in the country.
Yamb, widely recognized for her pro-Russian positions and dubbed the “Lady of Sochi,” has been a controversial figure for several years.
The European Union has frequently criticized her for her activism, which promotes closer ties between African states and Russia. Despite this scrutiny, her inclusion among the president’s special advisers signals the government’s alignment with Pan-Africanist priorities.
Born of Swiss and Cameroonian descent, Nathalie Yamb relocated to Niger following the July 26, 2023 coup that brought the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) to power. Her appointment makes her the second Pan-Africanist figure to receive a diplomatic passport from Niamey, following Franco-Beninese activist Kémi Séba, president of Urgence Panafricaine.
“Her appointment is a clear political signal, emphasizing Niger’s sovereignty and its commitment to a Pan-Africanist orientation,” said Oumarou. Observers note that this move reinforces the government’s broader strategy of engaging with influential African activists who advocate for regional independence and strategic international partnerships.
The diplomatic passport grants Yamb privileges typically reserved for foreign service officials, including facilitated travel and official recognition abroad. Analysts suggest that her new status could strengthen her ability to represent Niger in international forums and expand her influence across Africa.
Nathalie Yamb’s rise to a formal advisory role highlights the growing prominence of Pan-Africanist figures in Nigerien politics and the government’s intent to assert its independence on the international stage. Her appointment is likely to generate both domestic support and continued scrutiny from European observers critical of her political alignment.
The decision underscores Niger’s willingness to embrace alternative diplomatic voices while reinforcing its commitment to a Pan-Africanist vision for regional cooperation and sovereignty.
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