By Barbara Goldberg

Someone who recently found out about our cause posed this question: “What are the politics and priorities of the government of Niger?” It’s an excellent question because many governments in the developing world are corrupt and notoriously guilty of siphoning off aid funds to enrich their own bank accounts. Some, like Nigeria, do little to ensure the safety of their people.

So what can we say about Niger, the country where Wells Bring Hope works exclusively?

  • It is a democracy and dedicated to preventing Boko Haram from making any inroads into their country.
  • It is part of a West African coalition helping the Nigerian government on wiping out Boko Haram.
  • Since it is the poorest country in the world, the government has limited resources to help its people and so it falls to NGO’s like us to help deliver basic human services like safe water. The government greatly values our work and cooperates at all levels.
  • Several years ago, there was a coup because the president liked being in office and even though his term was up, he was determined to stay. They threw him out.
  • From what I know, it is far less corrupt than other African nations, particularly Nigeria which is known for its corruption. Is it immune from corruption? I think not. But neither is our government!