On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Forces vives of the River Region organized a large march followed by a popular meeting in Tillabéri. The event was held in support of the ideals of the Refondation authorities and the peoples of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), demonstrating a unified front for national objectives and regional solidarity. The mobilization gathered Governor of Tillabéri Colonel Maïna Boukar, administrative, customary, and religious authorities, Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS), civil society structures, students, schoolchildren, and a large population, predominantly youth, showing the broad-based nature of the support. During the event, the Forces vives reaffirmed their firm and unwavering support for General Abdourahamane Tiani, Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, the CNSP, and the entire Government, emphasizing their commitment to the current leadership and its vision for Niger.
Governor Maïna Boukar urged attendees to remain vigilant, stating, "Continuez à être les yeux et les oreilles de la République. Le renseignement citoyen a sauvé des vies à Tillabéri et il en sauvera encore. Aucun ennemi ne vaincra un peuple uni et vigilant." This call for continued vigilance noted the critical role of citizen intelligence in maintaining security. He also emphasized economic strength, declaring, "Un Tillabéri qui produit est un Tillabéri invincible," linking economic prosperity directly to national resilience. The Governor further cautioned against internal strife, adding, "Refusons les divisions. Nous sommes d’abord Nigériens. Ceux qui veulent nous opposer les uns aux autres sont les ennemis de Tillabéri," stressing the importance of national unity against divisive forces.
Mobilization and Key Demands
The event, which began with a march from the BAGRI headquarters and covered approximately one kilometer, showcased the enthusiastic participation of the local population. The march culminated at the official tribune of Tillabéri city, where a popular meeting took place, allowing for public addresses and expressions of collective resolve. Participants expressed their support for the ideals of the Refondation authorities and the peoples of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), reiterating the foundational principles guiding the nation's new direction. During the gathering, the Forces vives called for general mobilization and patriotic engagement to uphold the principles of the Refondation, which they identified as vital for ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in Niger. They asserted that these principles represent the guarantees of peace, security, and prosperity for the nation.
The group maintained that the success of the Refondation process hinges on profound behavioral change and enhanced governance across all administrative levels. This emphasis on systemic improvement reflects a desire for lasting transformation within the country's institutions and public life. They conveyed satisfaction with the recent period of calm observed in the preceding weeks, attributing this stability to the dedicated efforts of the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS). This acknowledgment noted the tangible impact of the security forces' actions on daily life. Amadou Ousseini Oumarou, the Administrator delegate of the urban commune of Tillabéri, commended the significant turnout and the overt support shown for the country's authorities and the Alliance des États du Sahel, recognizing the public's commitment to the national agenda and regional alliance.
Regional Security and AES Imperative
M. Hama Oumarou, speaking on behalf of the Forces vives, denounced the security situation within the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) confederation, pointing to persistent threats faced by member states. Governor Maïna Boukar stated that the security challenges confronting Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso necessitate strengthening the AES, viewing the alliance as an indispensable mechanism for collective defense. The Governor further emphasized that support for the CNSP must translate into tangible actions aimed at bolstering national sovereignty, stressing that verbal endorsement must be matched by practical contributions to the nation's self-reliance and independence.
The representative of the Forces vives condemned "obscurantist hybrid forces and their sponsors" ("des forces obscurantistes hybrides et leurs sponsors") whom they accused of seeking to destabilize AES countries. This strong condemnation showed the perception of external and internal threats to the region's stability. M. Hama Oumarou expressed satisfaction with recent security improvements, stating, "Nous nous réjouissons de l’accalmie constatée ces dernières semaines, résultats de leurs actions, et les exhortons à maintenir la pression pour un retour définitif de la paix et de la sécurité," acknowledging the positive impact of FDS operations.
The Forces vives representative also referenced specific security incidents, including events that occurred at Air Base 101 in Niamey on January 29, 2026, noting the ongoing security concerns even within national borders. Additionally, the group condemned an attack on April 25, 2026, in Mali that resulted in the death of Malian Minister of Defense, General Sadio Camara. Regarding this incident, the representative stated, "Nous condamnons sans réserve ces actes barbares et présentons au peuple frère du Mali nos condoléances les plus attristées," demonstrating solidarity with the neighboring nation. This act of violence further showed the volatile security environment in the Sahel region and the shared challenges faced by AES members.
Governor's Call to Action
Governor Maïna Boukar thanked the population of Tillabéri for their strong mobilization, acknowledging the significant turnout as a clear demonstration of public support. The Governor stated the mobilization clearly showed the support of the Nigerien people for the CNSP and its government, reinforcing the legitimacy of the current administration. He added, "Vous soutenez le choix de la souveraineté, le choix de la dignité, le choix de reprendre notre destin en main," framing the public's participation as an affirmation of national self-determination. He further affirmed that "que l’avenir de ce pays est entre des bonnes mains," instilling confidence in the leadership's capacity to guide the nation.
The Governor also expressed the solidarity of the Tillabéri region with the Malian people following the April 25, 2026 attack, extending condolences and support during a difficult time for the neighboring country. Regarding the incident, Governor Maïna Boukar stated, "Le sang versé à Bamako est le sang du Sahel. La douleur du Mali est notre douleur," emphasizing the interconnectedness of Sahelian nations and their shared experiences of conflict. He urged populations to continue collaborating closely with the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS), emphasizing the importance of citizen intelligence in maintaining security and noting the key role of public cooperation in national defense efforts.
Governor Maïna Boukar exhorted populations to resume agricultural, commercial, and economic activities to bolster regional prosperity, recognizing the vital link between security and economic development. He showed the importance of the Alliance des États du Sahel, declaring, "L’AES n’est pas une option. C’est une nécessité vitale. Seuls, nous sommes vulnérables. Unis, nous sommes invincibles," articulating the strategic imperative of the alliance for the collective strength and security of its members. The Governor called on populations to preserve national unity and reject divisions, stressing collective effort for the country's stability and future progress. This full message from Governor Boukar encapsulated both the immediate security concerns and the long-term aspirations for a sovereign, prosperous, and united Niger within the AES framework.