Lawmakers in Niger have approved a bill [13] that clears the way for more foreign troops to be deployed in the country, which is fighting several jihadist insurgencies [14]. The move comes as French and European forces withdraw from neighboring Mali, having fallen out with the ruling junta there. Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum had already announced [15] plans in February to absorb some of the departing soldiers. But passing the bill through parliament formalizes [16] the decision, amid rising anti-French sentiment in the country and the wider region.
Alongside the military approach, Bazoum has also been trying to initiate dialogue [19] with jihadist leaders, even releasing militants from custody.
Burkina Faso's junta leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, appears to be adopting a similar strategy—calling for dialogue [20] and off-ramps for insurgents while maintaining military pressure at the same time.
From The New Humanitarian [21], April 29
