Niger Rebel Leader Threatens New Offensive Against Tiani Regime
By: Zagazola Makama
Moussa Kounaï, leader of the Patriotic Movement for Freedom and Justice (MPLJ), has threatened to resume hostilities against the ruling Tiani-led government, warning of imminent attacks targeting the country's oil infrastructure.
Speaking from a desert location in northern Niger on Saturday, Kounaï accused the "Tiani cartel" of betraying the people of Niger and vowed to sabotage strategic oil facilities as a priority in what he described as a new phase of the rebellion.
"Our fight is for freedom and justice," Kounaï declared. "The exploitation of Niger’s resources by an illegitimate regime must be stopped."
The MPLJ leader did not specify the exact targets or timeline for the planned operations, but emphasized that oil fields and pipelines would be considered "legitimate targets" in the struggle against what he called "the usurpers in Niamey."
Security analysts have warned that renewed insurgent activities could severely impact Niger’s fragile economy, heavily reliant on oil exports for revenue.
The Tiani government, has not yet officially responded to Kounaï’s threats.
Meanwhile, military patrols have reportedly been reinforced around key oil installations in the Agadem region amid growing fears of sabotage.
