PARIS – Niger's president is pushing for the creation of multinational African brigades — notably with Libya — to boost border security in lawless zones where jihadist fighters roam.
Mahamadou Issoufou says Niger is "no sanctuary for terrorists" but believes many jihadist fighters have taken refuge in the south of neighboring Libya after French forces ousted al-Qaida-linked militants from a teetering Mali earlier this year.
He says he fears Libya's government could collapse or that Islamic radicals might take control. Libya has been wracked by instability since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi more than two years ago.
Issoufou said Niger was ready to help set up "mixed brigades" with Libya.
He pressed the issue Friday as France welcomed dozens of leaders for a summit on African security.
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