Niger has unveiled a new militia called “Shield of the Nation” to support government forces against armed groups whose attacks have intensified since the July 26, 2023 coup, officials said.
The force will be led by the “Sacred Union to Safeguard the People’s Sovereignty and Dignity,” a military-aligned movement close to the Nigerien army, which has struggled to reassert control over large swaths of territory lost to insurgents.
Authorities said the launch implements recommendations from a Constituent Council—an interim legislative body created by the ruling military council to pave the way for elections and a return to civilian rule.
The militia was inaugurated at a ceremony at Niamey’s conference center, attended by senior officials including Interior Minister Gen. Mohamed Toumba. Its mandate is to recruit and train youth to join army and security units on patrols and operations.
Niger has suffered a series of deadly attacks this year, including a June assault near the tri-border with Mali and Burkina Faso that killed about 71 civilians, stoking fears of further escalation in the region.
