The influential Nigerien civic group M62 has called for the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of economic, financial, and tax-related crimes.
The proposal, unveiled at the movement’s headquarters in Niamey on Sunday, was delivered by National Coordinator Sanoussi Mahaman during a strongly worded public statement.
The M62 movement, which has positioned itself as a guardian of national sovereignty and the values of Niger’s political “refoundation,” began by expressing heartfelt solidarity with the families of fallen members of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS).
The group praised recent efforts by Niger’s ruling military-led government, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), for reforms in the country’s natural resource management.
“With the management of state power by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland CNSP, our country has made significant progress in the protection and development of our natural resources, including: the creation of a refinery in Dosso; the granting of oil permits to SONIDEP, the withdrawal of the Imouraren permit; the creation of two state companies for the exploitation of gold and uranium; the adoption of an ordinance aimed at strengthening local content in the mining and oil sectors,” stated M62.
The movement argued that in order to safeguard such progress, “it is necessary and urgent to continue to clean up and rebuild the Nigerien extractive sector,” aiming for development independent of “neocolonialist and imperialist institutions.”
Commending the FDS for their valor, M62 added, “The courage and professionalism of our defense and security forces who defend the homeland at the cost of the ultimate sacrifice” must be recognized.
It extended condolences to victims of terrorist attacks, which it attributed to foreign influence backed by what it called “armchair slave leaders.”
The group also advocated for increased national mobilization and the training of “community soldiers” to aid the national forces on a voluntary basis.
Notably, M62 urged President Abdourahamane Tiani to “adopt an order to create a special tribunal with all the powers to judge through fair trials and broadcast live on national television, all cases of economic, financial and fiscal delinquency.”
Turning to international matters, the movement sharply criticized recent military actions by Israel and the United States.
Referencing the March 2 blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, the M62 condemned what it described as “the provocative attack perpetrated against Iran by Israel on June 13, 2025.”
“The National Executive Committee of the M62 Movement strongly condemns the provocative attack… and considers this attack as an act detrimental to international security,” the statement declared, adding that “Iran’s legitimate responses must respect international humanitarian law.”
It further denounced U.S. involvement, calling for an immediate ceasefire and decrying perceived failures of international peacekeeping institutions.
“No State or organization has the right to dictate to another sovereign State the weapons with which it must ensure its defense and security,” it emphasized.
In a bold conclusion, the M62 warned that global peace depends on nuclear disarmament, arguing that unless all nations abandon atomic weapons, the pursuit of nuclear defense by others cannot be justifiably opposed.
The movement’s remarks come amid a volatile geopolitical climate, both domestically and internationally, with Niger navigating its post-coup transition and escalating conflicts threatening to reshape global alliances.
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