Niger rebel group surrenders arms in political reconciliation effort

Members of Niger’s most prominent rebel groups have voluntarily laid down their arms, signaling a potential turning point in the country’s political landscape.

The disarmament took place at the Madama military base, near the Libyan border, as the armed groups responded to calls for reconciliation with the authorities.

According to Air Info, a leading Nigerian news outlet, Idrissa Madaki, spokesperson for the Armed Liberation Front, was among the fighters who surrendered.

The Front has been vocal in its demands for the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, whose detention has sparked unrest and uncertainty across the region.

The Nigerien state television confirmed that a group of young militants, led by Mahmoud Salah and associated with the Armed Liberation Front, handed over their weapons in the town of Dirkou, located in the Bilma province of Agadez.

This symbolic ceremony was attended by senior government officials, commanders of the defense and security forces, and respected local leaders, including tribal chiefs and religious figures.

On Saturday, the Nigerien government took further steps to curb potential security threats by adding ten new names to its terror watchlist.

This list includes individuals and entities suspected of terrorism or actions deemed harmful to the nation’s interests.

Among the names are former officials close to Bazoum, such as ex-Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou and former Interior Minister Alkache Alhada, both of whom are facing charges of conspiracy and treason.

Mahmoud Salah, leader of the National Liberation Front, has also been implicated in recent incidents, including sabotage of the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, a crucial link for the country’s crude exports.

Another figure on the list is Mohamed Touré, head of the National Front for Justice, a group aligned with Bazoum that has recently engaged in anti-government activities.

This year has seen an escalation of attacks by various armed factions in Niger.

In June, the Armed Liberation Front claimed responsibility for damaging part of a major pipeline carrying crude oil to Benin, and in early May, they launched an assault on a Nigerien army post in Seguedine.

Rissa Ag Boula, a former tourism minister and leader among the Tuareg rebels, has established the Resistance Council for the Republic, declaring his intention to restore constitutional order, if necessary, by force.

Meanwhile, the National Front for Justice, under the leadership of Captain Mohamed Touré, remains active in the region, further complicating Niger’s already fragile security situation.

This move towards disarmament by some rebel factions has provided a glimmer of hope for stability, but with multiple groups still in the fray, achieving lasting peace in Niger remains a complex challenge.