On the Discourse this morning, we turn our attention to Niger as it marks its Independence Day, with celebrations come at a time of profound political, economic and security challenges for the country. Three years after the military takeover, many citizens continue to grapple with rising living costs, insecurity and shifting regional alliances. While the government speaks of sovereignty and national renewal, what has been the lived reality for ordinary Nigeriens? For more on this, we are joined on the line by Fahiraman Rodrigue Koné, he is the Sahel Project Manager for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel.