Security solution in Niger's Diffa region is 'politico-military', says governor
Niamey, Niger (PANA) – The new governor of the Diffa region in the far-east of Niger, which is under attack from the terrorist Boko Haram sect, on Tuesday said that the security solution of the region is "politico-military" and that to deal with it, "people must effectively and courageously work with security officers".
In his first press briefing after his appointment in August as head of the region where he was born, Issa Lemine, a former Toubou rebel from the 1990s, called for "citizenship and patriotism to succeed in defeating the enemy".
"I will not betray the people, I will not change because I am governor. We will exchange ideas and have discussions with the population to save the region," he said.
Referring to the issue of youth employment, the Diffa governor deplored what he described as an "outrageous situation" because oil companies and their branches have left Diffa since the first Boko Haram attacks in April 2015 to settle in Zinder, from where they manage activities in the Diffa region.
Lemine felt that many young people joined Boko Haram because they were frustrated by the relocation of the oil companies and the behaviour of the leaders of the companies in their recruitment policy.
"On this issue, I will expressly request the return of these oil companies and all their branches," he said.
Lemine noted that 66 international NGOs led by African and European expatriates, development projects and all state services based in Diffa were operating without concern.
"There is no reason for oil companies and their branches to desert the region, thus depriving young people in the region of jobs. Every Nigerien aspires to well-being through the dividends of the oil windfall," he said.
-0- PANA SA/JSG/BBA/MA 10Sept2019
