News|Armed GroupsNiger’s military rulers order ‘general mobilisation’ against armed groupsThe military rulers expand emergency powers, warning that people, property, and services may be requisitioned.
Niger's military government has announced a general mobilization, authorizing the requisition of people and goods to intensify efforts against armed groups nationwide. This decision follows a cabinet meeting on Fri, Jul 2023, marking a significant…
Niger's military government has announced a general mobilization, authorizing the requisition of people and goods to intensify efforts against armed groups nationwide. This decision follows a cabinet meeting on Fri, Jul 2023, marking a significant escalation by the military leaders who assumed power after a coup that ousted the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The government statement emphasized that during the general mobilization, "people, property, and services may be requisitioned to contribute to the defense of the homeland, in compliance with existing legislation and regulations." All citizens are expected to respond promptly to any call-up or recall orders and comply with measures for national defense.
The authorities stated that these measures aim to "preserve the integrity of the national territory" and "protect the population" as Niger confronts continuous attacks by armed groups operating in several regions.
Niger's military government has announced a general mobilization, authorizing the requisition of people and goods to intensify efforts against armed groups nationwide.
Niger has faced ongoing armed conflict for over a decade, with violence attributed to fighters associated with al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) group. Reports from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) indicate nearly 2,000 fatalities due to political violence. Additionally, the southeastern region has experienced repeated attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The mobilization order occurs five years after Niger increased its armed forces to approximately 50,000 troops and extended the retirement age for senior officers. The military government, since taking power, has encouraged voluntary financial contributions from citizens to support military spending and agricultural initiatives.
Following the coup, Niger's leadership instructed French and United States troops, previously assisting in combating rebel fighters, to exit the country. Subsequently, Niger has strengthened security collaborations with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, also under military rule. The three Sahel states have established a joint force of 5,000 troops, positioning this as a regional strategy against armed groups while reducing reliance on Western allies.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
