A significant pan-African conference, meticulously organized by the Mouvement M62, convened at the prestigious Palais des Congrès de Niamey on Saturday, July 26, 2026. The event was held on the occasion of Niger's National Day of Sovereignty and Patriotism, a key date marking three years since the nation's profound refoundation process commenced on July 26, 2023. The conference centered on the theme '26 July 2023 – 26 July 2026: three years of combat for national sovereignty and the dignity of the people'. This theme showed the ongoing struggle and concerted efforts to reclaim and solidify national autonomy. Attendees gathered in Niamey to reflect deeply on the nation's journey and the substantial progress made since the initiation of its refoundation efforts, noting a period of intense national introspection and strategic realignment.
Key Figures and Attendees
The conference, a testament to Niger's commitment to its new path, saw the esteemed presence of Prime Minister M. Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. His attendance at the event, held at the prominent Palais des Congrès de Niamey, signaled the high-level government backing for the principles discussed. The gathering also drew a wide array of influential personalities, including key members of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and various Government ministers, reflecting a unified front in the nation's leadership. Beyond government officials, the conference welcomed a diverse group of civil society actors and representatives from numerous pan-African organizations, showing the regional and continental significance of Niger's refoundation. This broad participation noted the collective interest in the country's trajectory and its implications for broader African solidarity and self-determination.
M. Sanoussi Mahamadou, the distinguished secretary general of Mouvement M62, articulated the conference's overarching purpose with clarity and conviction. He stated that the primary aim of the event was to promote the ideals of sovereignty, patriotism, and refoundation, principles deemed essential for Niger's future. M. Mahamadou used the platform to reaffirm the movement's unwavering dedication to assisting in the strengthening of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Confederation, emphasizing its role in fostering regional stability and cooperation. He showed this commitment by stating, "Il a rappelé à l’occsion les actions menées par le M62 en faveur de ces objectifs, salué le soutien de la cause souverainiste et réaffirmé l’engagement du mouvement à accompagner le renforcement de la Confédération de l’Alliance des États du Sahel (AES)." This declaration reinforced Mouvement M62's active role in advancing both national and regional aspirations.
Defining Refoundation and Sovereignty
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, M. Abdoulaye Seydou, provided a foundational perspective on the nation's current trajectory. He articulated that the campaign launched by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) on July 26, 2023, is fundamentally aimed at bolstering national sovereignty and upholding the inherent dignity of the Nigerien populace. This "fight," as described by M. Abdoulaye Seydou, represents a full effort to secure the nation's self-determination across all spheres. Pr Farmo Moumouni, the Minister of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, further elaborated on the multifaceted concept of sovereignty, identifying it as encompassing critical dimensions: economic, food, energy, monetary, military, and intellectual. Pr Moumouni particularly emphasized the critical role of intellectual sovereignty, stating, "He insisted on the importance of intellectual sovereignty, which he considers the foundation of all others, by calling for the development of free, critical thought rooted in national realities." This intellectual independence, he argued, forms the bedrock upon which all other forms of sovereignty can be effectively built and sustained.
In a powerful call to action, Pr Farmo Moumouni also urged Nigerien engineers, workers, and inventors to actively contribute to strengthening military sovereignty. He specifically exhorted them to engage in the design and manufacturing of defense equipment, thereby reducing reliance on external sources and fostering indigenous capabilities. "Farmo Moumouni also urged Nigerien engineers, workers and inventors to contribute to strengthening military sovereignty by designing and manufacturing defense equipment," he stated, noting the practical steps needed for national defense. Nouhou Mahamadou Arzika, president of the Political, Cultural and Institutional Refoundation Commission (CCR), offered a key distinction between refoundation and transition, explaining that transition is inherently time-limited and temporary. Arzika defined refoundation, in contrast, as a sustainable transformation process designed to construct new political, institutional, and citizen foundations specifically tailored to Niger's unique realities and aspirations. This process, he emphasized, aims for lasting change rather than temporary measures. The National Refoundation Assizes, a significant national initiative, provided Nigeriens with a vital platform for deliberation and collective reflection on the necessary reforms required to establish strong, legitimate institutions within the country, ensuring that the refoundation process was inclusive and nationally driven.
Progress and Perspectives on Refoundation
The refoundation process unfolding in Niger aligns with a common dynamic shared by the countries of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), indicating a broader regional movement towards greater autonomy and self-reliance. This shared vision fosters a collaborative environment among member states. Abdourahamane Oumarou, president of Urgences Panafricanistes, affirmed that the refoundation of a country constitutes a long-term endeavor necessitating deep and sustained popular involvement. He stressed that such a transformative process cannot be achieved without the active participation and commitment of the entire citizenry, making it a truly national project.
Mme Maryama Gamatié Bayard, president of the Unique Platform of Women of the AES/Niger, provided a compelling overview of the progress achieved. She stated that the three years since July 26, 2023, have been marked by profound transformations aimed at restoring Niger's sovereignty, dignity, and independence. Mme Bayard noted significant advances across security, economic, and diplomatic spheres, showcasing concrete outcomes of the refoundation efforts. These advancements include the courageous denunciation of military agreements with certain foreign powers, a bold step towards asserting national control over defense. She noted the revision of natural resource exploitation contracts, ensuring that Niger benefits more equitably from its own wealth. The strengthening of the AES Confederation was also cited as a key diplomatic achievement, fostering regional cooperation and collective security. She added, "According to Mme Bayard, despite the sanctions and difficulties faced, the Nigerien people have shown resilience, and the challenge now is to consolidate the achievements by building strong institutions adapted to national realities." This statement acknowledged the obstacles overcome and emphasized the ongoing need for institutional development.
Bassolma Bazié, president of the National Commission of the AES of Burkina Faso, offered high praise for the achievements of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso since July 26, 2023. His commendation showed the collective progress made by the AES member states in their respective journeys towards greater sovereignty. Bazié seized the opportunity to urge citizens to actively support the Defense and Security Forces, recognizing their key role in safeguarding national interests. He also called upon the populace to uphold African values, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and heritage in the refoundation process. Finally, he encouraged all citizens to contribute actively to consolidating sovereignty, peace, and development within the AES Confederation, reinforcing the idea of a shared destiny and collaborative future for the region.