The Governor of Maradi region, Contrôleur Général de Police Issoufou Mamane, chaired a meeting on September 29 to discuss the operationalization of community self-defense groups, known as Domol Leydi. The meeting, held at the regional government's headquarters, brought together various stakeholders, including administrative and customary leaders, defense and security forces, civil society representatives, and local actors. This initiative aims to optimize Niger's defense and security tools.
The meeting is part of a broader effort to enhance territorial security in Niger. In March 2026, the President of the Republic signed Ordinance N°2026-15, establishing community self-defense organizations and their operationalization, known as Domol Leydi. The ordinance seeks to create a framework for community involvement in security matters. By engaging local populations, the government aims to strengthen security and stability in the region.
The Secretary General of the Maradi region, AbdoulKarim Mahamadou, set the tone for the meeting, explaining the objectives and emphasizing the importance of responsibility among participants. He expressed hope that the discussions would yield concrete results, enabling the effective operationalization of Domol Leydi in the region. The Secretary General's remarks underscored the significance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving the initiative's goals.
A mission from the Ministry of National Defense, led by Colonel Halidou Issa, Commandant of the Gendarmerie mobile, is conducting a series of visits to different regions to assess the situation on the ground. The mission has already visited Tillabéri and Dosso, with Maradi being the third stop. The team's objective is to engage with local actors, understand the conditions of self-defense groups, and identify expectations of the local populations.
During the meeting, Colonel Halidou Issa explained that the mission aims to gather information on the existence, organization, and functioning of Domol Leydi in various localities. The team seeks to understand how these community self-defense groups are structured, how they operate, and what challenges they face. This information will inform the development of a comprehensive report to be presented to the authorities in Niamey.
Governor Issoufou Mamane recalled the region's past efforts in organizing community self-defense groups, previously known as Yan Sakai camps. He noted that Maradi has become a reference point in the organization and management of these groups. The Governor emphasized the importance of building on existing experiences to ensure the effective operationalization of Domol Leydi in the region.
The meeting in Maradi is a crucial step towards enhancing community involvement in security matters. The operationalization of Domol Leydi is expected to strengthen the country's defense and security architecture. Key stakeholders will continue to engage in discussions to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, which aims to promote stability and security in Niger's regions.
Key points
- The meeting in Maradi focused on operationalizing community self-defense groups, Domol Leydi, to enhance territorial security in Niger.
