22 Oct 2022 | 06:33 PM UTC
Niger: State of emergency extended in Diffa, Tahoua, and Tillaberi regions until at least mid-February /update 1
State of emergency in parts of Diffa, Tahoua, and Tillaberi Regions, Niger, extended through at least mid-February.
Event
The Nigerien government issued orders on Oct. 21 extending existing states of emergency (SoE) in force in the Diffa, Tahoua, and Tillaberi regions for an additional 90 days. Under the new directive, the SoE will remain in effect through at least Feb. 3 in the Diffa Region, as well as Tassara and Tillia departments in the Tahoua Region, and the Abala, Ayerou, Banibangou, Bankilare, Gotheye, Ouallam, Say, Tarodi, Tera, and Tillaberi departments in the Tillaberi Region. In Tillaberi Region's Finingue department, the measure will remain effective until Jan. 29, whereas it will stay in force through Feb. 19 in the region's Ballayara and Kollo departments.
Militant jihadist groups will likely continue to engage in armed attacks against security personnel and civilian populations. The government will almost certainly maintain an elevated security posture in the affected areas; counter-militant operations may occur with little or no warning. Local authorities may impose curfews at any time.
Context
Diffa Region has been under a state of emergency since 2015, while parts of Tahoua and Tillaberi have remained under similar restrictions since 2017 due to frequent jihadist militant attacks. Local security forces remain largely unable to mitigate and remove the threat posed by the Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and affiliated splinter groups. The southern frontier of Niger has also sustained regular cross-border militant attacks by elements from the Boko Haram group from neighboring Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
Advice
Consider deferring nonessential travel to affected regions until the situation stabilizes. If travel is unavoidable, exercise a high degree of caution and heed authorities' instructions. Maintain a very low profile, restrict nighttime movements, vary routines, and move in guarded convoys if operating in affected regions. Minimize exposure to potential targets, including places of worship, security installations, markets, and other crowded locations. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if stopped at a security checkpoint. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
