Niger’s military rulers order ‘general mobilisation’ against armed groups

According to a government statement, Niger’s military rulers have authorized the general mobilization and authorized the requisition of people and goods as they intensify the fight against armed groups nationwide.

The military government’s resumption of power in a coup that ended the country’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023 marked a significant escalation.

In a statement released late on Saturday, the government said, “People, property, and services may be requisitioned during general mobilisation to contribute to the defense of the homeland, in accordance with the laws and regulations in place.

Every citizen is required to respond to any call-up or recall order, comply with the homeland’s defenses immediately, and submit to requisition, it added.

As Niger continues to be attacked by armed groups operating across various regions, the authorities claimed the measures are intended to “protect the integrity of the national territory” and “protect the population.”

More than a decade of deadly armed conflict has been sparked in Niger by rebels linked to ISIL (ISIL) and al-Qaeda affiliates. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), which tracks political violence, nearly 2, 000 people have died.

Niger’s security forces have been stretched even more by recent attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Five years after Niger increased its armed forces to around 50 000 and raised the senior officer retirement age from 47 to 52, the mobilization order was issued. The military administration has also urged people to contribute “voluntary” financial contributions to a fund established in 2023 to help with military projects and agricultural projects since taking office.

Soon after the coup, Niger’s rulers ordered American and French troops to leave the nation after they had previously supported operations to combat rebel fighters.