Inates massacres: the Nigerien Minister of Defense disputes the conclusions of the CNDH

Nigerien soldiers on patrol (photo illustration).

ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

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3 min

In Niger, the Minister of Defense continues to support his army against all odds.

Issoufou Katambe once again denies any responsibility of his soldiers in the massacres which have plagued the Inates sector, in the Tillabéri region, in the north-west of the country.

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In Niger,

took place in March and April and left at least 71 dead.

The findings of an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) accuse elements of the Nigerien army of being responsible for these killings of civilian victims whose bodies were found in several mass graves in the region.

Issoufou Katambe, Nigerien Minister of Defense, believes that it is up to justice to establish the truth about what happened.

The army does not recognize itself through these massacres and we continue to support the defense and security forces in their day and night combat against terrorists or against cross-border crime.

[…] I received the CNDH report.

I acknowledged receipt and sent it to the competent court.

[…] The CNDH has said what it has to say.

We have said what we have to say.

Let's wait for the court to decide.

Issoufou Katambe, Nigerien Minister of Defense

Esdras Ndikumana

► To read also: Niger: what we know about the deadly attack of Inates

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• Niger

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