Niger has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), an international military coalition combating Islamist insurgents in the Lake Chad region, as it shifts focus to protecting key oil assets, the government announced on state television.
The MNJTF, comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and until now Niger, has struggled with coordination issues since its launch in 2015, allowing militant groups to gain ground in the sparsely populated region. The task force has yet to comment on Niger’s departure, leaving questions about the impact on its operations.
The Lake Chad area remains a hotspot for militant activity, with groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa launching repeated attacks. In 2024, Chad considered withdrawing from the MNJTF after losing around 40 soldiers in an attack on a military base.
Niger’s decision follows its increasing isolation since a military junta took power in 2023, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. Alongside Burkina Faso and Mali—two other junta-led nations—Niger exited the regional bloc ECOWAS in 2024. Last week, its ruling military leaders announced a five-year transition plan to restore constitutional rule.
Despite pledges to improve security, Niger’s military faces challenges in controlling vast territories. Islamist militants recently killed at least 44 civilians in a mosque attack in the southwest, and key energy infrastructure, including the Agadem oilfield pipeline to Benin’s coast, has also been targeted.