Niger: Armed men attack mining employees in Diffa region November 21

Event

Unidentified armed men attacked employees of a foreign mining company in the village of Toumour (Diffa region) late on Wednesday, November 21. At least seven people, all Nigeriens, were killed. Boko Haram is suspected of being behind the attack, although no group has claimed responsibility as of November 22. Details are still emerging.

Context

The Diffa region has been under a state of emergency since February 2015, which is currently set to remain in effect until mid-December.

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups - including Boko Haram as well as Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al-Mourabitoun - are all active in the country.

Advice

Individuals throughout Niger should exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted by an attack (government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.

As a reminder, many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to areas in the north and west of the country, as well areas along the borders with Burkina Faso and Nigeria, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.