Niger's Prime Minister, M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine, urged Sahelian youth to consider solutions for the instrumentalization of young people by terrorist project carriers and to address social disparities among their demographic. The Prime Minister's call was published on August 10, 2026, and specifically noted the need for young people to reflect on these critical issues affecting the region. This appeal showed the urgent need for full strategies to protect the youth from destructive influences and to foster equitable development across the Sahel. M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine's remarks emphasized the key role that the region's young population must play in shaping a more secure and prosperous future, moving beyond current challenges of manipulation and inequality.
Youth Connekt Sahel Opens
The Prime Minister's call came during the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of Youth Connekt Sahel 2026 in Niamey. Youth Connekt Sahel aims to connect youth for peace and prosperity, placing them at the heart of political and socio-economic development initiatives. The central theme of the event, 'Sahelian Youth at the Heart of Security and Innovation and for a Sovereign, Resilient and Prosperous Sahel', reflected the ambitious goals set for the gathering. This theme was carefully chosen to inspire participants to contribute actively to the region's stability and growth, recognizing their potential as agents of positive change. The event in Niamey served as a key platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among young leaders from across the Sahel.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture organized the event in partnership with Youth Connekt Africa, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF. This collaborative effort brought together key national and international stakeholders committed to youth empowerment. The President of the Republic, Head of State of Niger, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, provided high patronage for the event, signifying the significant national importance placed on the initiative. His patronage showed the government's commitment to supporting youth-led solutions and integrating young people into national development agendas. Approximately 400 young people from 8 Sahelian countries attended the gathering in Niamey, engaging directly in discussions and workshops. Additionally, about 2,500 other young people were able to follow the activities live through various digital platforms, extending the reach and impact of the event beyond the physical venue. This hybrid approach ensured broader participation and accessibility for youth across the vast Sahelian region, allowing a greater number to benefit from the insights and opportunities presented.
The Youth Connekt Sahel event in Niamey aimed to create a high-level platform designed to connect Sahelian youth to financing, mentorship, and political decision-making opportunities. The organizers envisioned this platform as a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship and civic engagement, providing tangible pathways for young people to realize their potential. Prior editions of Youth Connekt Sahel were organized in Senegal in 2021 and Chad in 2025, building a continuous legacy of youth-focused development initiatives across the region. Each edition has contributed to strengthening networks and fostering a sense of shared purpose among Sahelian youth, addressing various challenges pertinent to their respective contexts.
Addressing Youth Manipulation and Disparities
M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine stated that a paradox in the Sahel involves Sahelian youth being manipulated and employed as mercenaries by powers outside the Sahel to wage war against their Sahelian brothers. This stark observation noted the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the vulnerability of young people to external influences. He urged participants to focus on reducing the disparity between urban and rural youth regarding access to opportunities, recognizing this as a critical factor in preventing marginalization and recruitment into illicit activities. The Prime Minister noted that youth living predominantly in rural areas might feel more marginalized by Youth Connekt Sahel due to a lack of skills necessary to connect or innovate, emphasizing the need for inclusive programs that bridge this digital and skill divide. This disparity, he explained, could exacerbate feelings of exclusion, making rural youth more susceptible to negative influences.
M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine recalled that President Abdourahamane Tiani continuously denounces destabilization attempts by France and its Western and African allies against the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and its three member countries. This political context provided a backdrop for the Prime Minister's call for internal unity and resilience against external pressures. He identified several sectors where youth can invest for the Sahel's development, including the digital economy, renewable energies, smart agriculture, mining and oil exploitation, and cultural and tourism industries. These sectors were presented as avenues for economic empowerment and innovation, offering alternatives to conflict and fostering sustainable growth. The Prime Minister's vision for youth engagement in these areas aimed to harness their energy and creativity for nation-building.
Calls for Innovation and Collaboration
The Prime Minister stated that the governments of participating countries anticipate innovative proposals concerning the instrumentalization of youth in the Sahel. These proposals are expected to offer practical and sustainable solutions to counter the manipulation of young people by various actors. M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine predicted that the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) would triumph under the leadership of Général d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani, Général d’Armée Assimi Goïta, and Capitaine Ibrahim Traoré, acting in symbiosis with their respective peoples. This declaration showed a strong belief in the collective strength and determination of the AES member states to overcome their challenges and assert their sovereignty. The Prime Minister's statement conveyed a message of confidence in the regional alliance's ability to forge a path towards self-determination and stability, driven by the unified will of its leaders and populations.
M. Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine emphasized that silencing arms in the Sahel is a priority for achieving sustainable development in the region. He articulated that the cessation of conflict is a fundamental prerequisite for any meaningful progress in socio-economic development. He noted that securing the Sahel directly contributes to securing the future of children and youth, as an occupied youth building, innovating, and creating consolidates peace and regional stability. This connection between peace, security, and youth engagement noted the interconnectedness of these elements in the region's long-term prosperity. The Prime Minister's vision positioned youth as active contributors to peacebuilding, not merely beneficiaries of it. The call for an engaged youth, focused on constructive endeavors, was presented as a cornerstone for fostering enduring peace and stability across the Sahel.
M. Ibrahim Idrissa, President of the National Youth Council of Niger (CNJN), expressed his hope for strengthened collaboration. He specifically called for enhanced partnerships between public and private actors, as well as development partners, to provide support for youth entrepreneurship initiatives. M. Idrissa's appeal noted the need for a multi-faceted approach to youth development, emphasizing that no single entity can address the complex challenges alone. He stressed that strong collaboration is essential to unlock the full potential of young entrepreneurs and to create an enabling environment for their success. This collaborative spirit, he suggested, would be key in translating the aspirations of Sahelian youth into tangible economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
International and Local Perspectives
The Youth Connekt Sahel event also drew international attention, with representatives from partner institutions in attendance. M. Haoliang Xu, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator, participated in the meeting. His presence showed the broader international engagement with efforts to address the challenges facing Sahelian youth and demonstrated the global community's commitment to supporting regional initiatives. M. Xu's participation provided an important international perspective, noting the interconnectedness of global and local development efforts. The gathering in Niamey aimed to foster collaboration not only among Sahelian nations but also with global bodies committed to youth development and regional stability. This participation from international officials aligns with the event's goal of connecting young people with diverse opportunities and support structures, ensuring that local efforts are amplified by global partnerships and resources. The event served as a testament to the shared understanding that addressing youth challenges in the Sahel requires a concerted effort from all levels, from local communities to international organizations.