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Demobilization – 1997

The monitoring committee for the implementation of the peace accord in Niger met from 3-5 September 1997 to discuss issues related to the reintegration of former armed rebels into Niger’s national army and gendarmerie, into socioeconomic life, disarmament, decentralization. In the meeting parties agreed that “Out of a total of 1,100 demobilized fighters, a first batch of 305 former fighters and 50 youths from the border regions shall be integrated under the 1997-98 budget. The remaining will be integrated during 1998 depending on the availability of funds to the government and with the assistance of financial backers.”¹ This suggests that there were 1,100 demobilized rebel combatants. The agreement was signed on the same day by the Front for the Liberation of Tamoust, the Front for the Liberation of Air and Azaouak, MRLN [Revolutionary Movement for the Liberation of Niger], FSN, CAD, PGT, FCLN [expansions untraced], Revolutionary Army for the Liberation of Northern Niger and the People’s Army for the Liberation of the North.

1. “Peace committee reaches agreements on reintegration of “rebels”,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 8, 1997.