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Niger

Limited studies have been conducted on the private security industry in Niger despite prevalent security challenges in the country such as Boko Haram and other jihadists, ethnic rebellions, and military coups. However, it is clear that one area in which private security companies (PSCs) in Niger play a role is the extractive sector.

Main law regulating private security: NO PUBLICLY AVAILABLE LAW REGARDING PRIVATE SECURITY COULD BE FOUND

Key Information

Niger is not a participant to the Montreux Document.

Sector Size
  • No information on sector size could be found.
Can PSC personnel carry firearms?
  • Only with proper authorisation[i]
International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA)
  • ICoCA Member State: No
  • ICoCA Company Members: 2
  • ICoCA CSO Members: 7
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
  • Voluntary Principles State Member: No
  • Voluntary Principles Company Members: 1
  • Voluntary Principles NGO Members: 2

Summary

Limited studies have been conducted on the private security industry in Niger despite prevalent security challenges in the country such as Boko Haram and other jihadists, ethnic rebellions, and military coups. One area in which private security companies (PSCs) play a role is the extractive sector. Following the kidnapping of seven employees of a French mining company by a jihadist group in 2010, mine security was strengthened with additional military, police, and PSC personnel. Some of the PSCs contracted to increase security around the mines are reported to belong to former leaders of the Touareg rebellion in the 1990’s.[ii] Reports show that foreign PSCs are also operating in the country, such as the French PSC,  Experts Partenaires pour l'Entreprise à l'Etranger (EPEE).[iii]

It has been reported that  one of the largest PSCs in Niger is the Société nigérienne de sécurité (SNS), which employs 1,500 agents.[iv]


Legal Framework

*No information on national legislation regarding private security companies could be found.


Members of the Private Security Governance Observatory

  • Action pour les Droits humains au Niger/Human Rights Actions in Niger (ADHN/HRAN)
  • Groupe de Réflexion et d'actions sur les Industries Extractives au Niger (GREN)
  • Réseau Nigérien des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (RNDDH)

 


[i] Amedeo, Fabrice. “Niger : La Sécurité Des Expatriés D'Areva En Question.” Le Figaro. September 20, 2010. http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2010/09/19/01003-20100919ARTFIG00232-niger-la-securite-des-expatries-d-areva-en-question.php.

[ii] “Enlèvements Au Niger: Des Agents De Sécurité sans Armes Pour Les Expatriés.” Le Point. September 19, 2010. https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/enlevements-au-niger-des-agents-de-securite-sans-armes-pour-les-expatries-19-09-2010-1238416_23.php.

[iii] Guibert, Nathalie. “Des Commandos Français Vont Sécuriser Les Sites D'Areva Au Niger.” Le Monde. January 24, 2013. https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/24/des-commandos-francais-vont-securiser-les-sites-d-areva-au-niger_1822261_3212.html.

[iv] Freland, François-Xavier. “Entrepreneuriat : Yacine Hassane Diallo, L'expert De La Sécurité.” Jeune Afrique, September 22, 2016. https://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/355993/economie/entrepreneuriat-yacine-hassane-diallo-lexpert-de-securite/.