Trade union centers in Niger, united within the “Unité d’Actions Syndicales du Niger” (UAS-Niger), demanded, on Saturday February 18, the departure of foreign troops from the national territory.
The UAS-Niger castigates the presence of numerous foreign military bases in the country at the same time when “the abuses committed on the civilian and military populations by non-state armed groups (…) continue to mourn” Niger.
The trade union organizations condemn these attacks “with the utmost energy” and recall the attack which took place on February 10 against a convoy of the Niger army, near the Malian border.
“This nth tragedy really raises the debate on the embezzlement of funds from the Ministry of National Defense and the presence of foreign military bases on Nigerien soil,” they declare.
They therefore demand “the pure and simple departure of all foreign military bases and this within a short time, otherwise they will be responsible for what happens to them”.
This Monday, the European Council launched “a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) in order to support the country in its fight against armed terrorist groups”, according to a press release. official.
“The objective of the partnership mission, officially established on December 12, 2022 at the request of the Nigerien authorities, is to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerien armed forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population of the country and ensure a secure environment. and secure with respect for human rights and international humanitarian law,” the document explains.
It is also indicated that “the EUMPM Niger will support in particular the setting up of the Training Center for Armed Forces Technicians”, “will provide advice and specialized training on request to specialists of the Niger Armed Forces and will support the creation of a new communications and command support battalion.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1055 of 20/02/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
