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Military Reform – 1995

As agreed in the peace agreement, the Special Peace Committee (SPC) was formed with representatives from the government and ORA. The first meeting of SPC took place on 23rd May 1995. One of the urgent tasks of the SPC, as discussed in the meeting, was to come up with a name list of ORA demobilized elements. This list was particularly important for the implementation of the provisions of the accord relating to integration, reintegration, and recruitment into the army, paramilitary forces, state-owned corporations, high schools, university, public administration and development projects. Another urgent task was said to draw up the list of arms, ammunition and war materiel – to be returned to the authorities – so that their recovery and storage could be effectively controlled.¹ However, problems arose in 1995 with regards to military reform. Rhissa Ag Boula, the chairman of the Organisation of the Armed Resistance, said the government was breaking the peace accord by putting special military units of former Tuareg gunmen and northern civilians under the control of the interior ministry rather than the defense ministry.²

1. “Niger: Niger-Tuareg Special Peace Committee begins meeting,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, May 25, 1995.
2. “Niger Tuareg leader threatens return to rebellion,” Reuters, September 9, 1995.