Niger: Authorities extend security-related state of emergency in border regions through to late November /update 3

Event

Nigerien authorities have extended the security-related state of emergency in its border regions through to at least late November. The state of emergency has been in place for three years throughout Diffa region and parts of Tahoua and Tillaberi regions. The extension covers the prefectures of Balleyara and Kollo in the Tillaberi region, which were added to the state of emergency on August 10 following an attack on French NGO workers in the Koure Giraffe Reserve. The measure gives local authorities and security forces the power to enact restrictions such as curfews without passing new laws. Authorities can also detain people and conduct property searches without a warrant.

Strict security controls are expected to continue in the border regions over the medium term and security operations against insurgents are likely.

Context

There has been increasing concern in recent years over the threat from terrorism in the Niger's Tillaberi region as groups such as Nusrat al-Islam (JNIM), Islamic State in the Greater Sahel (ISGS), and Ansarul Islam have expanded their operations across the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. Hundreds of military personnel and civilians have been killed in the region in sporadic attacks on security forces patrols and bases, as well as refugee camps, since 2018. The attacks have prompted a significant increase in security deployments in the southwest, including a newly built US airbase, but the government has struggled to stem the violence. Parts of the Tillaberi and Tahoua regions have remained under a state of emergency since March 2017 due to the persistent insecurity.

The southeastern Diffa region, on the border with Nigeria, has also seen an increase in attacks linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWA) militants in recent months, including a major assault on a military camp outside Diffa on May 3. Security has since been increased in the region, but further attacks remain likely.

Advice

Those in the border regions are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Niger remains complex; professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.