Niger's military regime has announced a general mobilization and requisitions of people and goods to intensify the fight against jihadist groups that have plagued the country for a decade. This measure, adopted Friday by the Council of Ministers, aims to preserve territorial integrity and protect populations from internal and external threats. It comes amid regional military alliances and the expulsion of foreign troops.
Niger, led by a military junta in power since the July 2023 coup, has faced deadly attacks from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State for about ten years. On Friday, the Council of Ministers approved a draft ordinance establishing 'general mobilization' for the defense of the homeland, as part of army organization.
According to a government communiqué consulted by AFP, 'during the general mobilization, people, goods, and services may be requisitioned to contribute to the defense of the homeland in accordance with current legislation and regulations.' The text states that 'every citizen is required to respond immediately to the call or recall order, to comply without delay with the execution of homeland defense measures, and to submit to requisition.'
These provisions are driven by 'the need to preserve national territorial integrity' and to 'protect populations' as well as 'institutions and the vital interests of the State against any internal or external threat.' Upon taking power, the junta expelled French soldiers and U.S. troops who were fighting jihadists, especially in the country's west, bordering Mali and Burkina Faso—two neighbors also affected by such violence.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—all governed by juntas and united in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederation—recently launched a joint anti-jihadist force of 5,000 men. A similar measure was taken in Burkina Faso in 2023 by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, president of the AES's leading body, but international NGOs accuse it of abusive use to suppress dissenting voices.