A key meeting was held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in the meeting room of the Tillabéri Governorate, where officials formalized the creation of the 'Domol Leydi' self-defense forces. The session, presided over by Brigadier General Mamane Souley, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defense, included the Governor of the Tillabéri region, Colonel Maïna Boukar. The meeting's primary objective was to gather advice, guidance, and proposals from local authorities. These contributions are intended to define the recruitment process and operational mode for the newly established forces. The President of the Republic had previously issued an ordinance to create and formalize these forces, now officially named 'Domol Leydi'. This ordinance marked a significant step in integrating community-based defense initiatives into the broader national security framework.
High-Level Gathering Discusses Force Structure
The meeting included a broad representation of local and security officials, featuring Secretaries General of the Tillabéri Governorate, prefects, delegated administrators, and traditional chiefs. Officials from the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) were also present, showing the collaborative nature of the discussions. Brigadier General Mamane Souley, who presided over the session, also serves as the president of the ad hoc committee responsible for examining the recruitment and organization of the 'Domol Leydi' self-defense force. His dual role notes the strategic importance placed on this formalization effort by the Ministry of National Defense. The presence of such a diverse group of stakeholders ensured that a wide range of perspectives on local security needs and operational challenges were considered.
General Souley stated that auxiliary forces have historically assisted the armed forces without a formal framework. He indicated that the ad hoc committee aims to formalize the status of these forces and define their operational parameters, thereby integrating them more systematically into national defense strategies. This formalization is seen as critical for enhancing accountability and effectiveness. Military officials present at the meeting emphasized that the 'Domol Leydi' are considered a significant actor in securing the area of responsibility for Operation Almahaou. This formalization effort marks a structured approach to integrating community-based defense initiatives into broader security operations within the region. The committee's work is expected to establish clear guidelines for their activities and collaboration with established security forces, ensuring that their actions align with national security objectives and legal frameworks. The mission's objective was explicitly to gather advice, guidance, and proposals from local authorities for defining the recruitment process and operational mode of 'Domol Leydi', ensuring local input is central to its structure.
Context and Challenges of Self-Defense
The prevailing security situation across the country prompted the Minister of National Defense to request a full review of self-defense forces. This request showed the urgent need to address the evolving security landscape and the role of non-state actors in maintaining order. In response to this, an ad hoc committee was established in January 2026. This committee's mandate is to address the various issues concerning these forces, aiming to integrate them more effectively into national security efforts and regularize their operations. The establishment of this committee signaled a strategic shift towards greater oversight and coordination of these groups.
The President of the Republic has signed two decrees to formalize the operation of these forces and outline certain benefits for their members. These decrees provide a legal foundation for the 'Domol Leydi' and other self-defense groups, offering a structured pathway for their recognition and support. Governor Maïna Boukar distinguished between two primary categories of self-defense groups operating in the region. The first category includes those groups that have received training and are supervised by the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), indicating a degree of integration and adherence to established protocols. The second category comprises groups funded by the diaspora and other well-wishers, operating with different organizational structures and often with less direct oversight from official security bodies. This distinction notes the varied origins and operational modalities that the formalization process seeks to harmonize.
Governor Maïna Boukar also noted that some elements within these self-defense groups have deviated significantly from their original objectives. He indicated that these individuals have engaged in illicit activities, including theft, kidnapping, assassinations, and racketeering. Such unauthorized actions pose a serious challenge to public trust and the legitimacy of self-defense initiatives. The formalization efforts aim to mitigate such unauthorized actions and ensure accountability within the self-defense structures, thereby reinforcing their primary role as protectors of communities rather than perpetrators of crime. The clear articulation of these challenges by Governor Boukar shows the necessity of strong oversight and clear operational guidelines for all self-defense units.
Governor's Proposals for Enhanced Security
The meeting in Tillabéri aimed to achieve better complementarity between security actors to strengthen protection of people and property while preserving social cohesion. This objective reflects a full approach to security that integrates various forces and emphasizes community well-being. Discussions noted the importance of integrating these forces effectively into the existing security framework. Military officials present at the session indicated that the effectiveness of the 'Domol Leydi' self-defense forces hinges on improved supervision, a more structured organization, and close collaboration with the Defense and Security Forces (FDS). This approach seeks to ensure that the newly formalized units operate cohesively and in alignment with broader security objectives across the region, minimizing potential for conflict or redundancy. The emphasis on collaboration is intended to create a unified front against security threats, leveraging local knowledge and national resources.
Governor Maïna Boukar contributed to the discussions by suggesting a practical organizational strategy for the self-defense units. He proposed the creation of units that would group together several villages and hamlets within the same geographical sector. This consolidation, according to Governor Boukar, would improve the overall security coverage and operational efficiency of the 'Domol Leydi' forces. The governor's recommendation aims to streamline coordination and resource allocation, allowing these local defense groups to more effectively respond to security challenges across a wider, yet defined, area. The proposed structure is intended to strengthen their ability to protect local populations and assets, working in concert with established security forces. This strategic grouping would also facilitate better communication and command structures, key for effective security operations in a complex environment. The insights provided by local authorities like Governor Boukar are considered vital for tailoring the formalization process to the specific needs and realities on the ground in Tillabéri.