Niger has approved a general mobilisation and the requisition of people and goods to fight terrorism, according to a government statement.
Niger’s transitional government adopted the mobilisation and requisition measures at a cabinet meeting on Friday.
“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,” a government statement said.
“Every citizen is required to respond immediately to any call-up or recall order, to comply without delay with the implementation of measures for the defence of the homeland, and to submit to requisition,” it added.
The measures were required by the need to “preserve the integrity of the national territory” and “protect the population”, the statement further said.
The country has been fighting terrorism for a decade now, waged by terrorists allied to Al-Qaeda.
The terrorists have claimed the lives of around 2,000 people over that period, according to ACLED, an NGO that monitors conflicts.
Niger’s southeast has also been targeted by Boko Haram.
Niger’s mobilisation plan comes five years after the country doubled the size of its military to 50,000 troops, and raised the retirement age for ranking officers to 52 years from 47.
The government has also been urging citizens to make “voluntary” contributions to a fund started in 2023 that helps pay for military hardware and agricultural projects.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – all the three under transitional rule – have created a joint anti-terrorism force of 5,000 troops.
SOURCE:AFP