Niger/Security and Development: A military protection and development force in the making
Faced with persistent insecurity in Niger, which jeopardizes the progress of socio-economic development activities in the country, and given the limited number of Nigerien soldiers relative to the challenges, the transitional authorities are committed to a policy of increasing the size of the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN).
In this context, the creation of a Command for Protection and Development Forces (CFPD) has been announced. This unit’s establishment will be coupled with the recruitment of 10.000 young Nigeriens of both sexes in 2024 alone, with 5.000 recruits per wave, who will serve within the new command. The first recruitment wave is set to begin on July 1, according to available information.
The second wave will be launched after the first wave’s training is completed. The ambition of Nigerien authorities is to annually increase the size of the Nigerien army, aiming to reach 100.000 troops by 2030. According to details, the new Command for Protection and Development Forces (CFPD) will have the primary mission of ensuring safety and security in Niger.
Additionally, it will be responsible for protecting the operations of sites and installations of strategic interest, strategic corridors, socio-economic development projects and activities, and participating in the Nation’s development efforts.
This strategy aims to better address security and development challenges. It is also a means through which the transitional authorities in Niger plan to achieve their goal of making their nation completely free, sovereign, and prosperous in all aspects, to the benefit of the people.
