The authorities in Niamey mobilized to protect oil and electrical installations and fuel depots in the capital, after a rebel group hostile to the ruling military junta threatened to blow them up.
The National Liberation Front, led by Mahmoud Salah, threatened to blow up vital installations in the country, prompting the regional council to discuss strengthening security in the capital and its surrounding areas.
The Front arose in August 2023 on the Libyan border, a month after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, demanding his release and the restoration of constitutional legitimacy.
Mahmoud Salah announced that he took up arms against the ruling military establishment, threatening to blow up oil facilities in the Agadim region in the northeast of the country, where oil wells are located. So far, the movement has not carried out its threats.
The controversial Salah comes from the Tebu ethnicity, whose settlements are distributed on the borders between Libya, Niger, Chad and Sudan, which raises fears in these countries about the return of the activity of armed movements.
The regional council, which includes senior officials in Niger’s defense and security forces, discussed enhancing vigilance and securing vital facilities.
The Council announced the monitoring of fuel distribution by service stations to individuals and companies, as a measure to cut off sources of funding for armed jihadist groups.
The Council decided to implement strict control over the flow of food to areas classified as dangerous by non-governmental organizations.
These measures aim to prevent funding and support for armed groups that threaten stability in the country.
It is worth noting that other rebel groups are preparing to return to activity, such as the “Resistance Council for the Republic,” led by Risa Ag Bula, and the “National Front for Justice,” led by Captain Mohamed Toure.
These movements returned to demand the release of the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, which increases the complications of the security and political situation in Niger.
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