Niger

Overview

Insecurity stemming from crises in neighbouring countries impacts populations in Niger. In Diffa region, where a state of emergency has been in place since 2015, Boko Haram continues to carry out sporadic attacks on civilians and against the authorities, whilst since September 40,000 Nigerian refugees have crossed the border seeking safety in west Niger.?Cross-border violence and intercommunal tensions also affect Tillaberi and Tahoua regions, leading to significant population displacement. ?Since September 2018, the Burkina Faso border area has seen increasing attacks by jihadist armed groups against the local population and authorities, leading to States of Emergency declared in several departments. ?

Insecurity also continues to limit food and humanitarian access, amplifying the effects of drought and seasonal floods. In Niger, more than 1.2 million people are expected to face IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or worse between June and August 2019, the latest figures available.?

Latest Developments

At the end of November, more than 2,700 Nigerians arrived in Taouha and Jawaliki regions in the west of Niger. People have fled their homes in the states of Sokoto and Zamfara, in North Western Nigeria, after a spate of attacks from non-identified armed groups who are reportedly not affiliated with Boko Haram. The current situation in the region is dynamic, as many displaced Nigerians in Niger have also been returning to Nigeria. There is also internally displacement occurring in those Nigerian areas suffering from the attacks. Over the last ten months Nigerians have been arriving along Niger’s border-region after armed groups targeted villages in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina. 41, 000 people have so far been registered with UNHCR in Niger's Maradi and Taouha regions, including 35,000 in Maradi alone. Basic, shelter, and educational needs have been reported.?