On the initiative of Nigerien civil society organisations, the “M62” movement (Sacred Union for the Safeguard of the Sovereignty and Dignity of the People) was created on Wednesday 4 July 2022. The aim is to oppose the French military presence in the country. An evacuation that is not only important, but will allow the Nigerien people to take charge of their own lives.
Fifteen civil society organisations have launched the “M62” movement to say no to the presence of the Barkhanes forces on Nigerien territory. This event comes at a time when the country is officially preparing to serve as a base and tactical retreat for the Barkhane forces kicked out of Mali this year by the transitional military authorities.
A disdain that dates back several years.
Sharp criticism of the heavy presence of foreign military forces on Nigerien soil goes back several years, particularly from France. In 2021, demonstrations against the presence of French soldiers were recorded in the country and resulted in the death of many people.
“Considering the multiple killings of our civilian populations by the Barkhane force chased out of Mali and illegally present on our territory, which it considers to have been conquered in order to materialise its deadly plan to destabilise the Sahel, let us reiterate our opposition to the French military presence in our country and demand its immediate departure,” wrote the organisations, especially the human rights associations and trade unions
The French army in command of Barkhane.
Operation Barkhane is a military operation conducted in the Sahel and Sahara by the French army, with secondary support from allied armies, to combat Salafist jihadist armed groups throughout the Sahel region. It was launched on 1 August 2014 to replace operations Serval and Sparrowhawk. It has its central intelligence base in Niger in the capital Niamey.
Barkhane’s forces are equipped with the latest artillery and sophisticated aircraft that can operate in all kinds of conditions.
A call to national solidarity.
In their struggle, civil society organisations appealed to the entire Nigerien population to mobilise so that the evacuation against the barkhane force could be effective. Better still, they initiated the Dignity Week on Wednesday 3 August, the date marking the 62nd anniversary of Niger’s independence, for a civic engagement.
A peaceful march is also announced and will be followed by a nationwide meeting on Wednesday 17 August 2022 at 9am.
Thierry Hounye(stag).
