Advocacy Note on the Threat of Explosive Devices in Niger

Niger is marked by a humanitarian situation characterized by attacks by non-state armed groups (NSAG) in Liptako Gourma and in the Lake Chad basin, which have caused forced displacement of around 700,000 people including 400,000 internally displaced people (IDP)2, 251,760 refugees and 50,377 returnees.

Since 2022, the threat of explosive devices has continued to rage in the regions of Tillabery and Diffa. The Protection Cluster recorded approximately 55 explosive devices-related incidents in 2022 (a 34% increase compared to 2021). From January to June 2023, 32 explosive devices incidents were reported, representing more than half of the total number of incidents reported in 2022. 

In the face of a growing threat from explosive devices, mine action capacities remain limited in Niger. Considerable challenges exist both in programmatic actions and in the coordination of interventions. No mine action coordination mechanism is functional either at the national level or in the regions affected by explosive devices.

The objective of this note is to strengthen advocacy with state authorities, the various technical and donor partners in order to support mine action in Niger, protect communities and humanitarian actors against the risks associated with explosive devices and enable them to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.