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Niger: the never-ending attacks
Public statement  Posté le 06-05-2021 10:34, par Tournons la Page

Since the beginning of 2021, Niger's security situation has deteriorated significantly. In less than a week, three major attacks have taken place in the regions of Tillabéry, Tahoua and Agadez, resulting in numerous civilian and military deaths.

It is more than necessary to rethink the security measures put in place by the authorities. Indeed, despite the implementation of a state of emergency in certain areas, the closure of several markets and the ban on motorcycle traffic for local populations, attacks have never been so recurrent.

In addition, the regional cooperation of the G5-Sahel and the intervention of the Barkhane force are not yet producing tangible effects in everyday life. On the contrary, elements of the G5-Sahel force have even been guilty of abuses. Some soldiers from the Chadian contingent are guilty of sexual violence against women and girls in Téra, in the Tillabéry region.

Elements of the Niger contingent are also accused of summary executions of Malian civilians. This accusation comes on top of those already committed in the Tillabéry region, where mass graves have been discovered and documented by Niger's National Human Rights Commission.

In view of the above, Tournons La Page Niger recalls the need for the defense and security forces to respect International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the course of their work. It also urges the government to:

  • Rethink its counter-terrorism strategy, which has so far failed to produce the desired results;
  • Provide the defense and security forces with the resources they need to fight this scourge;
  • Make no concessions to military personnel guilty of violations of the rules of war, and to bring them before the competent courts to answer for their actions;
  • Bring justice to civilian victims of criminal acts;
  • Restore the climate of trust between civilians and the military;
  • Rethink its partnership with foreign military forces present on national territory;
  • Fight corruption in the public procurement process, particularly in the Ministry of Defense.

Tournons La Page Niger offers its most sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and its full support to the civilian population, the main victims of a war that has overtaken them.

Tournons La Page Niger encourages the defense and security forces in their mission to defend the integrity of the national territory; a mission that must be carried out with honor, integrity and respect for the laws of war.

Signed in Niamey on May 6, 2021

Maikoul Zodi National Coordinator

+33.1.45.49.70.97
contact@tournonslapage.org