Niger: More than 8000 displaced persons in Tillabéri region

Event

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that more than 8000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were registered between January and March 2018 in Tillabéri region. These are the first reported cases of displacement in the region and OCHA has stated that they have been caused by the resurgence of clashes between non-state armed groups and the associated militant threat against civilians.

Context

The area has been under a state of emergency since March 2017 because of the persistent threat posed by militant groups. Such groups often use motorcycles as a primary means of transportation and local markets are commonly used to refuel and reload. In an effort to improve security in the region, the government has closed dozens of rural markets and has banned the circulation of cars and motorcycles has been in some localities.

Advice

Individuals in the affected region are advised to closely monitor the situation and to heed any advice issued by local authorities and their home governments.