Michael Usi replaces his mentor Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this month.
The move comes amid strained relations between France and Niger's military government.
In a landmark ruling, laws banning same-sex acts between men are ruled unconstitutional.
The 29-year-old is the first person to die in the youth-led demonstrations against tax-hikes.
Wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to eat when they are sick or injured, a study says.
A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent.
A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent.
A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent.
A deadly attack in the north has snowballed into speculation soldiers tried to usurp Capt Traoré.
A deadly attack in the north has snowballed into speculation soldiers tried to usurp Capt Traoré.