Sahel Alliance (AES) severed military and political ties with France and planned to abandon the CFA franc...

Nigerien students and youth attended a large gathered in Niamey on Monday February 16, 2026 where a ‘national mobilisation’ campaign which defended the country’s sovereignty was launched.

This followed Niger's declaration of readiness for 'war against France.'

Footage showed a massive assembly of students on the school sports field alongside senior military officials, with national flags raised amid a festive atmosphere.

"Young people, who represent more than 60 percent of Niger’s population, are under threat in their own country. The Republic is counting on them to lead the fight against the aggression targeting our beloved homeland," said Brahim Idrissa, president of the national youth council.

"We are committed to taking actions to raise awareness and prepare young people so that they are ready to be mobilised whenever the Republic calls upon them," Idrissa added.

Meanwhile, Niamey Governor Assoumana Abdou Harouna warned that international powers competed for Africa’s subsoil, the richest in the world,.

He urged the youth not to yield to what he called 'strategies of plunder and modern barbarism.'

Niger's military council repeatedly said France backed rebels and sabotaged the economy so it could maintain control over the country's vast uranium reserves. The French military denied it intervened in the West African country.

The escalation followed Niamey's nationalisation of Somair, a subsidiary of the French Orano Group, which secured control over its resources.

After the 2023 coup, Niger expelled French forces and its ambassador, turned toward the Sahel Alliance (AES) and new international partners.

AES severed military and political ties with France and planned to abandon the CFA franc