Niger’s transitional government has launched a new security initiative, “Garkuwar Kassa,” meaning “Shields of the Homeland,” aimed at enlisting civilian support for security forces in combating urban crime.

Led by the M62 civil society movement and backed by the Ministry of the Interior, the program seeks to strengthen community participation in maintaining public safety across cities.

While supporters view it as a practical way to involve citizens in protecting their neighborhoods, critics have voiced concerns over the recruitment process and the potential risks of civilian involvement in security operations.

Authorities maintain that the initiative will be implemented with oversight to ensure accountability, hoping it will enhance cooperation between communities and security agencies.