Niger's traditional chiefs, led by Honorable Mahamane Bachir Harouna Hambali, are advocating for a collective approach to achieve national sovereignty. As Vice-President of the Association of Traditional Chiefs of Niger, Hambali emphasizes the importance of food security and a self-sufficient agricultural sector. He cites examples from China and India, which have made significant investments in irrigation, agricultural research, and producer support.
Hambali praises the efforts of Niger's Refondation authorities, led by President Abdourahamane Tiani, for prioritizing national sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens. He believes that sovereignty should translate into tangible changes in daily life, particularly in areas such as food, health, education, employment, and security. To achieve this, Hambali suggests that Niger should draw inspiration from international experiences and adapt them to its unique climate, economic, and social contexts.
The traditional chiefs recognize their crucial role in promoting social cohesion, preventing conflicts, and driving local development. Hambali notes that their institution is deeply rooted in communities, allowing them to understand the realities of villages, family concerns, and producer difficulties. This proximity enables them to act as dialogue facilitators, promote social cohesion, and mobilize communities for development.
Hambali highlights the importance of a productive agricultural sector, citing China's and India's experiences with large-scale investments in irrigation, research, and producer support. He encourages Niger to pursue similar initiatives, focusing on valorizing its own potential, such as land development, irrigated perimeter development, and local product transformation.
As part of their role in supporting the Refondation vision, traditional chiefs aim to promote ownership of national initiatives among communities. Hambali emphasizes that sovereignty and national dignity are not solely achieved through top-down decisions but also through daily behaviors, work, solidarity, and communities' ability to address their essential needs.
To promote food sovereignty, Hambali suggests that Niger should focus on recovering degraded lands, promoting agricultural careers among youth, and encouraging local product consumption. He also stresses the importance of better harvest conservation and reduced waste. Traditional chiefs will mobilize communities to take ownership of these initiatives and promote collective action.
The traditional chiefs' initiatives also focus on strengthening civism, social cohesion, and peace in cantons and villages. By reinforcing permanent dialogue and promoting a sense of collective responsibility, they aim to contribute to the success of national initiatives and the well-being of Niger's citizens.
Key points
- Traditional chiefs in Niger are pushing for collective action to achieve national sovereignty, particularly in food security.
- The chiefs are advocating for a self-sufficient agricultural sector, citing examples from China and India.
- They recognize their crucial role in promoting social cohesion, preventing conflicts, and driving local development.
