Niger’s Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Toumba, met with representatives from Plan International and the Hanns Seidel Foundation on Wednesday to outline the priorities of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and to strengthen collaboration for national development.
The discussions, held at the minister’s office in Niamey, aimed to align the NGOs’ initiatives with the council’s directives to better serve the needs of Niger’s citizens.
Plan International, which has operated in Niger for decades, focuses on education, health, child protection, youth empowerment, gender equality, and girls’ rights.
The German-based Hanns Seidel Foundation, meanwhile, plays a role in strengthening institutional capacities, promoting civic education, and supporting governance, contributing to stability and resilience in local communities.
The meeting, described by the Ministry of the Interior as an introductory session, provided an opportunity for the NGOs to better understand the CNSP’s vision and priorities.
The ministry highlighted that such engagements are vital to ensure NGOs’ efforts align with national objectives and to maximize the impact of their programs across the country.
Earlier this year, in March, the Ministry of the Interior reminded NGOs and Development Associations (ADs) of their legal obligations to submit annual activity reports.
According to a statement from General Toumba, these reports must be filed in compliance with the 2022-2026 Protocol of Agreement and Decree 2022-182PRN/MAT/DC.
The reports are to be submitted to the Directorate of NGOs/ADs and regional offices for territorial planning and local development by March 31 each year. Failure to comply could result in sanctions under Article 60 of the agreement.
The discussions with Plan International and the Hanns Seidel Foundation reflect a broader effort by the CNSP to foster productive partnerships and ensure that international and local initiatives are integrated into Niger’s strategic framework for development and security.
