M. Diata Joachim, interim President of the Cercle Indépendant de Réflexion et d’Actions Citoyennes (CIRAC), declared the organization's support for Niger's ruling Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) on Saturday, July 04, in Niamey. CIRAC has backed the CNSP since July 26, 2023, when security forces ended the Seventh Republic regime. M. Diata Joachim stated, "CIRAC supported the CNSP from the first hours of the events of July 26, 2023."
CIRAC aligns with the CNSP's focus on national sovereignty, which M. Diata described as "deciding for ourselves and by ourselves, without external interference." To support this vision, CIRAC has organized conferences, including one in January 2024 on "the historical analysis of the challenges and stakes of Niger's sovereignty" led by Pr MAIKOREMA. Further conferences addressed monetary and energy sovereignty. A recent conference, titled "Food Sovereignty in Niger: challenges, stakes and perspectives," aimed to "raise the level of understanding of the existential problems of food sovereignty and true development," M. Diata said.
CIRAC's Mission and Support for CNSP
The Cercle Indépendant de Réflexion et d’Actions Citoyennes (CIRAC) describes itself as a republican association that recognizes the legitimacy of the institutions in place. CIRAC supported the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) from the early hours of July 26, 2023, when defense and security forces ended the regime of the 7th Republic to bring the CNSP to power. The organization aims to operate as an apolitical, independent, non-denominational, and non-profit association. CIRAC's stated role centers on raising awareness, civic and moral education, and citizen oversight for the future development of Niger and Africa. The association operates under the motto: peace, conscience, and truth.
Focus on Food Sovereignty Conference
The declarations were made during the opening ceremony of a 24-hour conference initiated by the Cercle Indépendant de Réflexion et d’Actions Citoyennes (CIRAC) in Niamey. This conference, held on Saturday, July 04, focused on food sovereignty. Its theme was 'Souveraineté alimentaire au Niger : enjeux, défis et perspectives' (Food Sovereignty in Niger: stakes, challenges, and prospects). The event is part of CIRAC's broader effort to promote national sovereignty across various sectors. Through such conferences, CIRAC aims to deepen public understanding of critical issues affecting Niger's self-determination and development, particularly in areas like food security.
History of Sovereignty Initiatives
The Cercle Indépendant de Réflexion et d’Actions Citoyennes (CIRAC) has organized several conferences aimed at promoting national sovereignty. These events include a conference in January 2024 on the historical analysis of Niger's sovereignty challenges, as well as discussions on monetary sovereignty and energy sovereignty. CIRAC gained official recognition by decree No. 00005 from the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, Decentralization, Customary and Religious Affairs on January 25, 2021.
Declarations and Future Outlook
The Cercle Indépendant de Réflexion et d’Actions Citoyennes (CIRAC) asserts its role in exercising constructive oversight and providing citizen proposals for the nation's best interests. CIRAC aims to raise awareness and contribute to understanding the existential issues surrounding food sovereignty and genuine development within Niger. The organization states it works to inform the public on critical matters affecting the country's self-determination.
