. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .
An article from Journal du Niger (translation by CPNN)
In the vibrant amphitheater of the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture in Agadez, a major initiative was launched on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Under the chairmanship of Major General Ibra Boulama Issa, Governor of the region, a strategic workshop on the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace, security, and social cohesion was launched with a flourish. Bringing together traditional leaders, prefects, municipal administrators, and prominent figures such as the Sultan of Aïr, His Highness Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou, this meeting marked a turning point in the mobilization of traditional authorities to build a more united and resilient Niger.
Agadez: Traditional Chiefs, Pillars of Peace and Stability in Niger
Before an audience of dignitaries, including the President of the Regional Office of the Association of Traditional Chiefs of Niger, General Boulama Issa set the tone for a day marked by collective commitment. Indeed, this workshop, initiated by the governorate, aims to equip the traditional chiefs of Agadez with the tools they need to play a central role in fostering a culture of peace, strengthening security, social cohesion, and non-violent conflict management. In a region facing complex challenges—insecurity, community tensions, and illicit activities such as gold mining—this training embodies a bold ambition: to make traditional leaders key players in the rebuilding of the Republic.
Moreover, the governor, in a speech imbued with conviction, emphasized the importance of these traditional figures in the fabric of Niger’s society. “You are the guardians of our values, the relays of our communities. “Your role is essential in promoting peace and supporting the authorities’ efforts in a context where cohesion is our greatest strength,” he said, according to participants. This vision places traditional leaders at the heart of a strategy aimed at anchoring local governance in the region’s cultural and social realities.
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Strategic Training: When Ancestral Wisdom Meets Modern Challenges
The workshop, designed as a space for exchange and training, addressed crucial themes. Participants explored strategies to prevent intercommunity conflicts, encourage collaboration with the Defense and Security Forces, and promote dialogue as an alternative to violence. In a region like Agadez, a strategic crossroads in the Sahel, where tensions related to migration, banditry, and armed groups remain prevalent, these skills are vital.
The presence of the Sultan of Aïr, a respected figure and symbol of traditional authority, lent particular legitimacy to the event. Alongside departmental prefects and municipal delegated administrators, he embodied the union between tradition and modernity, an essential balance for meeting contemporary challenges. The discussions also highlighted the role of traditional leaders in intelligence gathering and community outreach, strengthening their position as a bridge between citizens and institutions.
Agadez: A Regional Response to Security and Cohesion Challenges
This workshop is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the governorate to consolidate stability in Agadez. Following the meeting in Injitan on July 9, where General Boulama Issa engaged with the Ihagaran community on similar issues, this training broadens the scope of regional engagement. By equipping traditional leaders with new skills, the authorities aim to create a network of leaders capable of defusing tensions and promoting harmonious coexistence in a context marked by security and social challenges. Participants also addressed practical issues, such as limited access to communications networks in some rural areas, which hinders coordinated peace efforts. In response, the governor promised to explore solutions to strengthen digital infrastructure, which is essential for security and development.
Niger’s Future: A Country United by Traditional Wisdom and Modern Commitment
In short, the Agadez workshop resonates as a call to unity and action. By placing traditional leaders at the heart of national reconstruction, General Boulama Issa and his team are sending a powerful message: peace and social cohesion are everyone’s business. In a region where tradition is a driving force, this event marks a decisive step in transforming challenges into opportunities.
The echoes of the MJC now resonate throughout Agadez. Newly equipped, traditional leaders are preparing to become the architects of a more peaceful Niger. With the support of the Sultan of Aïr and regional authorities, they also embody the hope of a society where ancestral wisdom and modern commitment converge to build a stable and prosperous future.
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