On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Forces vives of the Maradi region organized a significant march, which was subsequently followed by a public meeting at the official tribune, strategically located in front of the regional governorate. The procession, a vivid display of civic engagement, moved purposefully from the official tribune, where participants initially gathered, to the very front of the governorate building, symbolizing their direct appeal to the authorities. During this key gathering, participants issued a full declaration. This declaration unequivocally condemned an attack reportedly perpetrated by terrorists and supporters of the Front de Libération de l'Azawad (FLA), which the Forces vives assert operates under the tutelage of "imperialist France." Furthermore, the declaration powerfully asserted that Niger, along with its allies Burkina Faso and Mali, has collectively chosen to pursue an ambitious path towards total political, economic, security, and cultural sovereignty. This united stance shows a broader regional aspiration for self-determination and independence from perceived external influences.
Mobilization and Declaration
The mobilization witnessed a broad and inclusive spectrum of Maradi's society, demonstrating widespread support for the cause. Participating groups included various civil society organizations, energetic youth organizations, dedicated students, schoolchildren, influential women's associations, respected traditional chiefs, and revered religious leaders. The ranks of participants were further swelled by unions, vital economic operators, independent personalities, and organizations representing people with disabilities, noting the diverse nature of the movement. The event was notably led by two prominent figures: Lieutenant-colonel Moussa Abdoulaye Garba, who serves as the Delegated Administrator of the city of Maradi, and Alhadji Amadou Labo Maraya, the Special Advisor to the President of the Republic, showing the official recognition and importance of the rally. During the proceedings, the Secretary General of the Union of Nigerian Students at the University of Maradi (UENUM) took to the podium, reaffirming the organization's steadfast support for the refoundation authorities. He emphasized their unwavering commitment to peace, dignity, and the sovereignty of Niger, aligning student aspirations with the broader national agenda.
The Forces vives extended their solidarity to the people of Mali during the rally, a gesture reinforcing the regional unity inherent in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). In a moment of solemn reflection, the Secretary General of UENUM offered heartfelt prayers for the eternal rest of General of the Army Sadio Camara, honoring his memory and contributions. Beyond their expressions of solidarity, the Forces vives also explicitly reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful methods of expression as their preferred approach to advocacy. They listed a range of these methods, including prayers, legal demonstrations, the dissemination of open letters, organized sit-ins, and broad citizen mobilizations, emphasizing their dedication to non-violent civic engagement. Following the conclusion of the public gathering and the reading of the declaration, the Secretary General of UENUM formally and officially handed the declaration to the Governor of the Maradi region, ensuring its direct delivery to the highest regional authority.
Denouncing Interference and Terrorism
The declaration issued by the Forces vives of Maradi articulated the city's unconditional commitment to the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and the government. This commitment, as stated, is a vital pillar supporting the ongoing fight for a free, stable Niger that is unequivocally master of its own destiny. A central theme of the rally was the denunciation of external pressures; participants at the rally vociferously denounced what they described as foreign powers' interference in the internal affairs of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederal space. This strong condemnation signals a clear rejection of any perceived attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the allied nations.
The statement further emphasized with conviction that the AES would remain a sovereign space, master of its own destiny, asserting that no external pressure would be capable of shaking the collective will of its people. This declaration serves as a powerful message of defiance and determination. The Forces vives also explicitly denounced any states, organizations, or individuals accused of financing, arming, supporting, or tolerating terrorist groups within their territories and, by extension, within the AES confederal space. The declaration directly linked these insidious actions to efforts designed to maintain control over the rich natural resources abundant in the region, thereby framing terrorism as a tool of economic and political exploitation.
Governor's Response and Call
The Governor of the region, Police Inspector General Issoufou Mamane, along with the esteemed Sultan of Katsina, Honorable Ahmed Ali Zaki, were present at the governorate to receive the delegation and the formal declaration. In his address, Governor Mamane stated that the meeting represented "the cry of an awakened people, a living testimony of a nation refusing submission, humiliation, and foreign domination." His words resonated with the sentiments of the assembled crowd, reflecting a profound sense of national pride and a rejection of external control. He further asserted with conviction that "the Sahel will not retreat, and the peoples of AES will stand firm against intimidations, unjust sanctions, and threats," showing the resilience and resolve of the regional alliance. Governor Mamane concluded his remarks with a powerful call to action, urging the youth of Maradi to maintain their mobilization, cultivate unity, uphold discipline, and remain ever vigilant against manipulation and division campaigns, which he identified as significant threats to their collective progress and stability.