Niger PM visits villages after deadly attacks

Niger Prime Minister Brigi Rafini travelled to two villages close to the border with Mali on Sunday, after officials said more than 100 people were killed by suspected militants. The villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye were attacked on Saturday after locals killed two of their fighters, according to the country's interior minister. Niger has endured several attacks by Islamic extremists, including the Nigeria-based Boko Haram, and fighters linked to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.

Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced, despite the presence of thousands of regional and international troops. While jihadists in the region pose a growing threat, the West African country is expected to see its first democratic transition of power since independence from France in 1960. Some 7.4 million Nigeriens were registered to vote on 27 December to elect the successor to President Mahamadou Issoufou, who has served two terms and is stepping down.

According to results announced on Saturday, a second round will be needed after none of the 28 candidates won a majority.Former Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum of the ruling party will face off with former President Mahamane Ousmane on February 21.