The military regime in power in Niger announced “extraordinary measures” to prevent attacks jihadists that the country continues to exist while assuring at the same time that the situation “is under control”.

“In order to counter the recurrence of attacks in some communities of our country, the cabinet decided (…) to strengthen security measures in the various zones of military operations. Thus, extraordinary measures will be implemented to suppress this phenomenon”, announced the Ministry of Defense in a press release which came to the attention of the French Agency yesterday Friday.

He did not provide further details.

“The cabinet wants to assure the population that the situation is under control and the defense and security forces are on their feet to maintain security in all areas of our country,” the text continues.

At least a dozen soldiers were killed and more than 30 wounded during three separate attacks from Sunday to Tuesday.

Jihadi attacks have been perpetrated in Niger for years, especially in the county Tillaberi (west), near the tri-national border with Burkina Faso and the Malias well as to Difa (southeast). A state of emergency has been imposed in these areas.

Rebels operating against the military regime that seized power in a July 26, 2023 coup are also active in the far north.

After the generals seized power, Niger approached Burkina Faso and Mali, neighboring countries also ruled by coup d’états, also facing the burning problem of jihadist activity. A year ago, they established the Sahelian Alliance of States (SAA), which in July turned into a confederation.

The three military regimes thus intend to strengthen their cooperation, especially in the fight against various jihadist organizations.

But the attacks have far from stopped.

According to the non-governmental organization ACLEDin the last year at least 1,500 people, military and civilians, have lost their lives, compared to 650 in the period from July 2022 to the corresponding month of 2023.

On Tuesday, attacks claimed responsibility for Organization of Support to Islam and Muslims (WIM, affiliated to Al Qaeda) killed more than 70 people in Bamako, the capital of Mali. This was one of the deadliest attacks on the country’s security forces in recent years.