Drawing inspiration from Niger’s disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDR) initiatives;
this was the aim of the visit by the Malian Minister of Justice to Niger.
The authorities of Mali and Niger strengthened their cooperation in the fight against terrorism during a visit to Niger by Mali’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mamoudou Kassogue, on 19 and 20 August.
The main aim of the visit was to learn from Niger’s disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDR) initiatives, with a view to improving similar programmes in Mali.
Mr Kassogué stressed the importance of “pooling the efforts of our states in the fight against terrorism, a transnational phenomenon.”
During his meeting with General Abdourahmane Tiani, President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), he highlighted Niger’s prospects and appreciated the expert presentations on the various aspects of the DDR mechanism.
This visit takes place in a regional context marked by the creation, in September 2023, of the Alliance of Sahel States by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to coordinate their efforts to combat terrorism. These three countries, which withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January, have also strengthened their relations with Russia, turning their backs on their traditional partners.
On 6 July, these countries ratified the treaty creating the Confederation of Sahel States, marking a new stage in their collaboration.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA