The Ordinary General Assembly of the Ruggabé-Garsobé Association of Niger convened in Tahoua on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The assembly, hosted at the conference room of the Tahoua Town Hall, focused on the theme "Cultures and traditions nationales : piliers de la refondation nationale, vecteurs de paix et de cohésion sociale." This gathering aimed to highlight the key role of national cultures and traditions as foundational elements for national re-establishment, explicitly promoting peace and social cohesion within the country. The chosen theme showed the association's belief in leveraging indigenous values and practices to navigate contemporary challenges and build a more stable society.
Official Opening and Support
The opening of the assembly's work was formally presided over by the Secretary General of the Governorate of Tahoua, Mr. Yacouba Soukeyradjou. In his address, Mr. Soukeyradjou expressed his profound hope that the newly formed bureau would serve as a peaceful body for conflict management, providing a vital mechanism for dispute resolution among communities. He further envisioned the bureau as a strong framework for mobilizing concerted efforts towards achieving lasting peace and enhanced security, not only within Niger's borders but also across the broader region. Mr. Soukeyradjou reaffirmed the unwavering commitment and steadfast support of national and regional authorities for initiatives such as this gathering, acknowledging their importance in fostering national unity and stability. Speakers at the event collectively called for sustained peace and security across the entire country, emphasizing the urgency of these efforts, and concluded by wishing success to the assembly's ongoing work and its deliberations.
Guardians of Heritage and Identity
Elhadji Boureima Dodo, President of the Ruggabé-Garsobé Association, delivered a poignant address, paying homage to the ancestors who meticulously established and passed down the enduring foundations of pastoral institutions. Mr. Dodo stated that this rich heritage has profoundly enabled their communities to overcome numerous historical trials, including severe droughts, various crises, and significant social changes, all without compromising their fundamental identity. He characterized the Ruggabé and Garsobé as diligent guardians of herds, impartial mediators of disputes, vigilant protectors of vital pastoral routes, unwavering guarantors of given commitments, and steadfast defenders of social cohesion. Mr. Dodo further noted that the pastoral institution draws its inherent strength from values deeply rooted in the Laawol Fulfuldé, which serves as a full moral and ethical code guiding the lives and interactions of pastoral communities. He noted the indispensable role of Ruggabé and Garsobé in actively preventing conflicts between herders, farmers, and other natural resource users, a role that has become particularly critical in the current context of widespread security challenges and increasing tensions over natural resources. Mr. Dodo affirmed that the time has come for a full recognition of the invaluable contribution of traditional institutions to both national and local governance structures. He also noted that the Ruggabé and Garsobé possess extensive and deep knowledge of territories, natural resources, and intricate social dynamics, making their insights key for effective local management and conflict resolution.
Call for Cohesion and Peace
Honorable Boubacar Deye, Head of the Peulh Grouping of Tahoua, delivered a passionate appeal, urging all participants to actively contribute to strengthening social cohesion by diligently preventing agro-pastoral conflicts. He called upon herders to revive and respect traditional values, which are essential for fostering community harmony and peaceful coexistence. Other influential speakers at the assembly included the Mayor Delegate of the City of Tahoua, the esteemed Chief of Canton of Tahoua, the respected Chief of Canton of Dogondoutchi, and the Head of the Touareg Grouping of Tabalak, all of whom showed the importance of cultural preservation and traditional wisdom in building a prosperous and peaceful Niger.