Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - Former jihadists who
renounced violence have officially joined the Nigerien army after completing
several months of reintegration training, the country’s military authorities
announced on Monday, October 13.
Niger’s ruling junta, which seized power two years ago
in a coup, has faced ongoing challenges in combating militant violence
from groups linked to Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State, particularly
in the Lake Chad basin and the western Tillaberi region.
According to state television RTN, a total of 369 former
fighters, including 307 men, 21 women, and 41 children, completed training near
the capital, Niamey, after being in rehabilitation programs since late 2024.
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that many of the
former fighters have now been formally integrated into the national army, while
others received support kits to help them start income-generating businesses.
“A good number of them have been integrated to serve under
the national flag,” RTN reported, adding that 84 participants were given
materials to help establish small enterprises.
Authorities said the initiative represents part of a broader
national reconciliation and reintegration effort aimed at stabilizing
communities long affected by extremist violence.
Tillaberi Governor, Colonel Maina Boukar, urged citizens to
accept the reintegrated fighters as part of the peace process.
“These men, who were once misguided but have now chosen to
renounce violence and reconcile with the Republic, should no longer be regarded
as enemies,” he said.
The move marks a major step in Niger’s strategy to combat
extremism not only through military force but also through rehabilitation and
social reintegration, signaling a continued effort by the junta to restore
stability and promote national unity amid persistent security challenges.
0 Comments