Niger has officially withdrawn from the military coalition fighting armed groups in the Lake Chad region, citing the need to prioritize the protection of its oil infrastructure.
The decision, announced by the Nigerien military on state TV over the weekend, comes amid growing tensions following Niger’s military coup in July 2023. As a result, the operation, previously part of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) active since 2015, will now be renamed “Nalewa Dole.” The Nigerien army stated that the move reflects the country’s intent to reinforce security for its oil sites, particularly in the southeast, which have been increasingly targeted by armed groups.
The conflict in the Lake Chad region, which includes Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, has been ongoing since 2009, largely as a result of violent campaigns by Boko Haram and its affiliates. This violence has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Niger’s decision comes after accusations from the military government in Niamey that Nigeria has been supporting foreign forces aimed at destabilising Niger, a claim Nigeria denies. Meanwhile, attacks on oil infrastructure, including a pipeline running from Niger to Benin, have been a persistent issue.
The withdrawal is part of a broader regional shift. Following Chad’s recent threat to pull out of the MJTF after a deadly attack on its soldiers, tensions among the four countries surrounding Lake Chad continue to rise. Niger’s decision to focus on securing its oil sites marks a significant shift in priorities, as the country grapples with internal instability and external security challenges.