Leadnaija
Since the military coup on July 26, 2023, which saw the ousting of Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, the policies and actions of the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, have been marked by contradictions.
This is particularly evident in the handling of Boko Haram repentants and the broader stabilization efforts in Niger’s conflict zones.
President Bazoum’s stabilization policy emphasized the reintegration of repentant fighters into society, particularly in regions affected by insurgency such as Tillabéri, Diffa, and Tahoua. Under his administration, the National Committee in Charge of Dialogue with Armed Non-State Actors (GANE) and Regret Management was established to coordinate these efforts.
Tiani, at the time, criticized this approach, labeling it a political ploy and accusing Bazoum of forming militias under the guise of reintegration.
However, since taking power, Tiani appears to have adopted and modified these same policies, albeit under a different guise. In December 2023, hundreds of former insurgents were officially reintegrated in Diffa, an event led by the junta. Similarly, in January 2025, 124 former Boko Haram fighters were reinstated, marking the sixth wave of such reintegrations since the coup.
The latest ceremony, presided over by Brigade General Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma in Goudoumaria, highlights the ongoing implementation of a deradicalization and reintegration program resembling Bazoum’s original policy.
While the junta has framed these efforts as part of a voluntary policy to restore stability, critics argue that Tiani’s approach is inconsistent and politically motivated. The suspension of Bazoum’s dialogue committee, labeled by the junta as complicit with terrorists, was seen as a move to discredit the former president’s initiatives. Yet, the subsequent establishment of a similar committee under the Ministry of the Interior suggests a pragmatic acknowledgment of the need for such programs.
Notably, concerns have emerged about the ethnic and cross-border dynamics of these reintegration efforts. Reports of recruitment based on ethnic criteria in areas like Konni, as well as the inclusion of individuals with histories of cross-border criminal activities, raise questions about the long-term security implications of the junta’s approach.
The reinstatement of Boko Haram repentants underlines the complex challenges of counterinsurgency and reintegration in Niger. While deradicalization programs are essential for peacebuilding, their implementation requires transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to prevent further destabilization.
Tiani is apparently adopting Bazoum’s policies despite initial criticism. However, without clear safeguards and oversight, these efforts risk exacerbating existing tensions and undermining trust in Niger’s governance.Tap Here To Read Full Details
