UN concerned as Niger quits force combating violent Islamic groups

Gen. Tchiani, leader of the military regime in Niger, raises his fist at a July celebration in Niamey to mark one year since the coup that brought him to power (Getty Images)

|Published 12:05 PM ET, Friday April 04, 2025|

​Niger’s recent decision to withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional coalition established in 2015 to combat armed Islamist groups in the Lake Chad area, has raised significant concerns within the international community, particularly the United Nations. The UN’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, emphasized that this development comes at a time when security remains a paramount concern for the region. ​

The MNJTF, comprising troops from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, has faced challenges related to coordination and equipment. Analysts fear that Niger’s departure could embolden jihadist groups and adversely affect local communities reliant on the force for security. ​

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This move aligns with a broader pattern of Niger distancing itself from regional and international alliances. Following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger has experienced increased isolation from entities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Additionally, Niger has formed the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, further indicating a shift in its strategic alliances. ​

Complicating the regional security landscape, Russia has recently hosted diplomats from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to discuss strengthening military cooperation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged support in training troops, providing military equipment, and assisting in establishing a joint armed force. This development signals Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel region, especially as these countries have expelled Western forces and severed ties with ECOWAS. ​

The UN and other international bodies remain concerned about the potential ramifications of Niger’s withdrawal from the MNJTF, emphasizing the need for cohesive regional strategies to address the persistent threats posed by armed Islamist groups.

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