2024-12-09 09:09:00
Twenty-one people were killed this week in an attack on a cargo convoy near Téra in western Niger, the epicenter of jihadist violence and a necessary crossing point to supply this immense, landlocked desert country. “twenty-one civilians were killed in this attack on transport vehicles on December 5 by armed men”a source told Téra on Saturday, December 7, on condition of anonymity. Another local source also reported this “21 dead” in the attack, without providing further details.
nigerian state radio La Voix du Sahel confirmed the attack on Saturday, citing “several civilians murdered in cold blood” in the so-called “three borders” area (between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso), which has become a hideout for Sahelian jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda. “Vehicles returning from the weekly market in Téra were subjected to an attack on thursday 5 December 2024, 12 kilometers north of Téra, in the direction of Bankilaré, by armed bandits who intercepted them around 5pm.”explained La Voix du Sahel.
On Friday, Colonel Maïna Boukar, governor of Tillabéri, attended the funeral of the victims in Téra and “presented the condolences of the authorities” to their families, public radio also reported.
1,500 deaths in the last year
Téra is a forced passage point for thousands of goods trucks coming from the port of Lomé, in Togo, through northern burkina. Already at the end of October a freight convoy was the target of a large-scale attack near Téra. “We have lost many of our comrades on this axis, victims of increasingly frequent terrorist attacks”he then deplored the union of transport and allied workers of niger (uttan).
Following the establishment of border crossing restrictions between Benin and Niger following the July 2023 coup against President Mohamed bazoum,“our country was forced to turn to the port of Togo”explains Uttan,forcing truck drivers to deviate from their trajectory and cross high-risk areas of Burkina Faso and Niger.The nigerian army, which carries out two anti-terrorism operations in the Tillabéri region, sometimes reports attacks on this road, reportedly carried out by “terrorists”.
The far south-east of the country,bordering Chad,Nigeria and close to Cameroon,is suffering attacks from Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).According to the non-governmental organization Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (Acled), which lists conflict casualties around the world, around 1,500 civilians and soldiers have died in jihadist attacks over the past year in Niger, up from 650 between July 2022 and July 2022. 2023.
What are the main factors contributing to the rising violence in western Niger?
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Rising Violence in Western Niger
Editor: good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing a tragic and pressing issue in western Niger, where a recent attack has claimed the lives of twenty-one civilians. Joining me is Dr. Amina Diallo, an expert on West African security and jihadism. Dr. Diallo, thank you for being hear.
Dr. Diallo: Thank you for having me. It’s a bleak reminder of the situation in the region, and I’m glad to shed some light on it.
Editor: This attack on a cargo convoy near Téra seems to highlight a growing trend of violence in Niger. Can you provide some context about why this region has become the epicenter for such attacks?
Dr. Diallo: Absolutely. Niger is situated in a volatile region where several jihadist groups operate, especially the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates. Téra, specifically, has become a critical transit point for supply routes. The lack of effective governance and security in these areas makes them particularly vulnerable to attacks, especially on transport vehicles which are often targeted due to the goods they carry.
Editor: it’s heartbreaking. The loss of twenty-one lives is not just a statistic; it impacts families and communities. What can you tell us about the nature of these attacks? Are they random acts of violence, or is there a strategic element behind them?
Dr. Diallo: There is definitely a strategic element involved. These attacks are often aimed at disrupting supply chains and instilling fear within the population and the government. It’s a part of a larger strategy by these jihadist groups to assert control and destabilize the region. By attacking civilians, they aim to send a message that they are powerful and can strike at any time, undermining the government’s authority and ability to protect its citizens.
Editor: That’s a chilling viewpoint. Given that Niger is landlocked, how does the geography play into the ongoing conflict and insecurity?
Dr. Diallo: The geography is crucial.Niger’s vast desert landscape not only makes it challenging for military operations to monitor and control movements but also provides concealment for armed groups.The transport routes through this region are vital for trade, but they also become focal points for attacks. The remoteness of these areas complicates the response for security forces and increases the risk for civilians traveling in convoys.
Editor: In light of this violence, what measures could be taken to enhance security and protect civilians in Niger?
Dr. Diallo: There are several approaches that need to be taken. Firstly, there must be a concerted effort to strengthen the local security forces with better training and resources.Secondly,community engagement is essential; locals need to feel secure and supported by their government. Additionally, regional cooperation is critical—countries in the Sahel must work together to combat these transnational threats effectively.
Editor: It seems like a multifaceted issue that requires both immediate action and long-term strategies. What gives you hope in addressing the challenges faced by Niger?
Dr. Diallo: I believe that there is immense potential for improvement. The resilience of the Nigerien people is inspiring, and there are civil society organizations actively working to promote peace and stability.Furthermore, there’s increasing awareness on a global scale about the need for collective action against jihadist violence. If international partners can provide the necessary support,there is a path forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Diallo, for your insights today. It’s crucial for us to remain informed about these developments. We hope for a peaceful resolution and safety for those in affected areas.
Dr. Diallo: Thank you for having me.It’s vital that we keep these conversations going to shine a light on the situation in Niger and beyond.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay connected with Time.news for more updates on global affairs.