Niger has long-term plans to improve security

Significance

He had earlier visited the western tri-border region where Niger abuts Mali and Burkina Faso, which suffers from jihadist attacks. Bazoum’s visits aim to promote the return home of people displaced by insecurity. This requires the restoration of normal settled life and public services in regions afflicted by violent insecurity. It is a daunting challenge.

Impacts

• Bazoum’s regular visits to provincial areas have bolstered his personal standing and political leverage.
• Anti-Western feeling will subside if the reinforced European and French military presence helps Nigerien forces to improve security.
• Mali-Niger relations may thaw after Mali’s commitment to a 24-month transition; this could improve cross-border security cooperation.