Desperation is a fact of life in many poor, overcrowded countries.

Despite all the gains for democracy in the world, in many countries anyone who wants to publish truths unwelcome to the government risks suppression and criminal punishment.

Poor countries are poor because they are wasting their resources.

In poor countries, the rich and powerful crush the poor and powerless.

Niger is not an isolated island of desperation. It lies within a sea of problems across Africa - particularly the 'forgotten emergencies' in poor countries or regions with little strategic or material appeal.

The endurance of the inequalities of life by the poor is the marvel of human society.