Niger : Between a desire for stabilization and a mixed security situation Spécial

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Source : Sahel weather Novembre 2024 

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The arrest of Moussa Tchangari, a well-known civil society activist, under the guise of a political kidnapping, has dominated the political news in Niger in recent days, to the point of overshadowing new security measures, despite the failure of previous ones to prove their worth.  On November 9, with the aim of reinforcing security in the Nigerien capital, the Regional Security Council carried out its second “coup de poing” operation, involving the operational units of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) in the criminogenic areas of the green belt around Niamey's Airport district.  During the raid, around a hundred individuals were arrested, some of whom were carrying edged weapons, narcotics and pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, with a view to further strengthening its military capabilities, Niger officially took delivery on Thursday November 28 of a large consignment of equipment from Russia, with which it has intensified its military collaboration. This strategic investment testifies to the transitional authorities' determination to “eradicate the security threats that hinder stability and economic development”. The Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, underlined the importance of strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerien army, without failing to salute the solidity of relations between Niger and Russia, and their shared determination to face up to security challenges. Bilateral cooperation between the two countries has intensified steadily since the putsch that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. On the one hand, Niger is diversifying its partners, and on the other, Russia has adopted a new foreign policy.

Beyond the fighting with armed groups, the transitional government is counting on General Tiani's call for dialogue to restore peace. In Agadez on November 27, the Patriotic Liberation Front (FLP) and the Movement for the Justice and Rehabilitation of Niger (MJRN) responded to the call of the President of the Transition, by putting an end to their rebellions, which were born of development demands for the Kawar and Manga zones, and the rejection of the coup d'état of July 2023.

The surrender of these fighters represents a major step towards stabilizing and securing the territory of Niger. Nevertheless, the terrorist threat remains constant.
From November 27 to 29, Niamey hosted the meeting of the Committee of Experts of the West and Central Africa (WCA) region of the World Customs Organization (WCO), which will be working to strengthen the modernization of customs administrations, integrate technology and optimize trade and security management, in order to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving region. In the presence of members of the Conseil national de la Sauvegarde de la Patrie and other stakeholders, Prime Minister Lamine Zeine Ali Mahaman presided over the closing ceremony of the meeting, which also addressed the prospect of a new dynamic of cooperation and modernization of customs administrations in Africa.