Niger's military government has announced a national general mobilisation, authorising the requisition of people, property and services to bolster its campaign against armed groups. The order, confirmed after a cabinet meeting, follows the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Authorities say the move aims to protect the population and territorial integrity amid persistent attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda, ISIL/ISIS and Boko Haram. Niger has also expelled French and US troops and formed a 5,000-strong joint force with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Niger’s Junta Orders General Mobilisation, Authorises Requisition of People and Goods
The head of Niger's military regime, General Abdourahamane Tiani [File: AFP]
Niger’s military rulers have approved a nationwide general mobilisation and authorised the requisition of people, property and services as they escalate operations against armed groups across the country, a government statement said.
The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting on Friday, marks a major escalation by the junta that seized power in a July 2023 coup which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Authorities said the measures are intended to reinforce national defence and protect civilians amid ongoing security threats.
Government statement: 'People, property and services may be requisitioned during general mobilisation to contribute to the defence of the homeland, in compliance with the legislation and regulations in force. Every citizen is required to respond immediately to any call-up or recall order, to comply without delay with measures for the defence of the homeland, and to submit to requisition.'
Scope and Purpose
The government said the mobilisation aims to 'preserve the integrity of the national territory' and 'protect the population' as attacks by armed groups continue in several regions. The order allows authorities to call up personnel, requisition civilian assets and redirect services to support military and security operations.
Security Context
Niger has been battling a decade of violence linked to Islamist groups, including fighters affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) estimates nearly 2,000 people have been killed in related political violence over recent years. The southeastern border regions have also suffered repeated attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP), further stretching Nigerien security forces.
Recent Military and Regional Moves
In the five years before the coup, Niger expanded its armed forces to roughly 50,000 troops and raised the retirement age for senior officers. Since seizing power, the military government has urged citizens to make 'voluntary' contributions to a 2023 fund designed to support military spending and agricultural projects.
Soon after the coup, Niger ordered the withdrawal of French and US troops who had been supporting counterinsurgency operations. The junta has deepened military cooperation with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso—also ruled by military governments—and the three Sahel states have formed a joint force of 5,000 troops, framed as a regional response to armed groups while further distancing themselves from Western partners.
Implications
Analysts warn that a formal general mobilisation and power to requisition civilian resources could heighten tensions, strain local communities and complicate humanitarian access. Humanitarian organisations and foreign governments will be watching for how the measures are implemented and whether they lead to renewed offensives, forced relocations or expanded recruitment.
