Niamey [Niger], December 29: Niger's military rulers have approved a general mobilisation and authorised the requisition of people and goods as they intensify the fight against armed groups across the country, according to a government statement.
The decision followed a cabinet meeting on Friday and marks a major escalation by the military government, which seized power in a July 2023 coup that toppled the country's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
"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," the government said in a statement issued late on Saturday.
"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 authorities said the measures aim to "preserve the integrity of the national territory" and "protect the population" as Niger continues to face attacks by armed groups operating across several regions.
Niger has been embroiled in deadly armed conflict for more than a decade, with violence linked to fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the ISIS group. Nearly 2,000 people have been killed.
Source: Qatar Tribune
