Niger has announced its withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional military coalition fighting armed groups in the Lake Chad region, as the government shifts focus to protecting key oil infrastructure within its borders.
The MNJTF, which includes troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, was established in 2015 to combat Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP).
However, the force has struggled with poor coordination and internal divisions, allowing militant groups to persist.
Niger’s withdrawal raises concerns about the future of the Lake Chad security mission, as Chad previously considered pulling out after a deadly attack on its troops.
Meanwhile, militant groups continue to stage brutal assaults, including a mosque attack this month that killed at least 44 civilians.
Since a military coup in 2023, Niger has distanced itself from regional alliances, withdrawing from ECOWAS in 2024 alongside Burkina Faso and Mali.
The junta has now set a five-year transition period to return to constitutional rule while prioritizing security efforts at home.
© WAVN