Protests in Niger over tax hikes Thousands of people have protested on the streets of Niger against proposed tax increases. The 2018 budget introduces housing and inheritance taxes. Prices of water and electricity will also be increased and commercial activities taxed more. The government says it is facing financial difficulties and needs more money to carry out developmental projects. Parliament has already approved the budget. But some of the protesters in Zinder, the country's second largest city said the proposed taxes would make life more difficult for most people and called on the authorities to rescind their decisions. SOURCE: BBC NEWS ---DECRYPTED---