Niger Celebrates 5th National Volunteer Day Focusing on Social Cohesion

The 5th edition of Niger's National Volunteer Day was launched in Tahoua on November 10, 2026, with a focus on social cohesion. The event was presided over by Abdoulkader Garba Moussa, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration. The theme of this year's celebration is "community relays, key actors in social cohesion." The event was attended by administrative and customary authorities, as well as the local population.

In his address, Abdoulkader Garba Moussa expressed his gratitude to the authorities and people of Tahoua for their warm welcome. He highlighted that the theme of social cohesion resonates with the calls made by President Abdourahamane Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine to strengthen social cohesion as a foundation for national development. The President's call is also reflected in the 2025-2029 Refoundation of the Republic program, which prioritizes social cohesion.

The National Volunteer Day, celebrated on November 10, aims to achieve three objectives: inform and sensitize authorities and partners on the importance of community relays in local development; promote their activities for the well-being of communities; and confirm the state's recognition of their efforts. Community relays are individuals chosen by their communities for their availability, commitment, and trustworthiness, and they serve voluntarily in areas such as health, education, and agriculture.

Abdoulkader Garba Moussa emphasized that community relays play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, which is essential for sustainable development. He noted that a divided community cannot work together, protect its children, or manage its resources effectively. The community relays are at the heart of preventing and managing major child diseases, reflecting the proximity of public action and the link between public policies and local realities.

The National Volunteer Day was proclaimed in 2017 to provide a framework for the action of community relays. Since then, it has been celebrated annually on November 10. The day aims to recognize the efforts of community relays and promote their activities. Abdoulkader Garba Moussa highlighted that community relays are essential in serving their communities voluntarily, without seeking glory or reward.

The event in Tahoua was attended by various stakeholders, including administrative and customary authorities, and local populations. The community relays play a crucial role in various sectors, including health, nutrition, education, and environment. They are also involved in preventing and managing major diseases, which demonstrates their importance in promoting social cohesion and community development.

The 5th National Volunteer Day celebration in Tahoua highlights the significance of community relays in promoting social cohesion and community development in Niger. The event demonstrates the government's commitment to recognizing and promoting the efforts of community relays, who play a vital role in serving their communities and promoting sustainable development.

Key points

• The 5th National Volunteer Day celebration focuses on community relays as key actors in social cohesion.
• The event aims to promote the activities of community relays and recognize their efforts in local development.
• Community relays play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, which is essential for sustainable development in Niger.