Saudi Arabia condemns the attack on Diori airport in Niger and affirms its solidarity
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. This stance reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and its categorical rejection of all acts that threaten the security and stability of nations and target vital and civilian infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom reiterated its full support for and solidarity with the Republic of Niger, its government and people, in the face of these criminal acts, which contravene all religious principles, moral values, and humanitarian principles. The Ministry also offered its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Niger, wishing the injured a speedy recovery, and emphasizing the importance of concerted international efforts to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and cut off its funding sources.
Security context and challenges in the Sahel region
This attack comes at a time when the Sahel region of Africa, and Niger in particular, is facing increasing security challenges due to the activity of armed groups and extremist organizations in the border area known as the Lipko-Gourma triangle between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Diori Hamani International Airport is a vital artery for the country, and targeting it carries serious implications regarding an attempt to destabilize the economic and political situation in a nation considered a strategic ally in counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
For years, countries in the region have suffered from repeated attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, leading to the displacement of thousands and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Observers note that targeting airports and sovereign facilities represents a qualitative escalation in these groups' tactics, necessitating heightened security preparedness and intelligence cooperation among regional states and international partners.
Saudi Arabia's role in supporting the stability of the African continent
This condemnation falls within the framework of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, which places great importance on the stability of the African continent. The Kingdom does not merely issue statements of condemnation; it consistently strives to strengthen strategic partnerships with African nations to support sustainable development, which is considered the first line of defense against extremism. This has been clearly demonstrated in the Saudi-African summits and the development initiatives led by the Saudi Fund for Development in numerous African countries, including Niger.
The stability of Niger is not merely a domestic matter, but a cornerstone of regional and international security, given its important geostrategic location. The Kingdom, through its consistent positions, affirms that security solutions must be accompanied by comprehensive development and political solutions to ensure that these groups do not return to threaten civil peace, and calls upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in supporting the capacities of countries affected by terrorism.
