Niger Ministry Confirms 39 Killed in Border Attacks
The Nigerien Ministry of Defence has reported the tragic deaths of 39 civilians in two separate attacks in western Niger, near the border with Burkina Faso. The attacks, described as “barbaric acts,” targeted the communities of Libiri and Kokorou between December 12 and 14, 2024.
Details of the Incidents
According to the ministry’s statement:
- Libiri: 21 people were killed, including children.
- Kokorou: 18 lives were lost in a similar attack.
The defence ministry attributed the attacks to criminals “cornered by ongoing operations” by the country’s security forces.
Context
The affected areas are in the Tera region, a volatile border zone plagued by frequent jihadist activity. This region has seen numerous deadly attacks in recent months as armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS intensify their operations in the Sahel.
A Western security source, however, suggested a much higher death toll, claiming that as many as 90 to 100 people may have been killed in an attack on Tuesday. These figures have not been independently verified.
Fallout
The military-led government in Niger has responded to these attacks with intensified military operations. However, the escalating violence continues to strain resources and efforts to secure border communities.
In an unrelated move, Niger’s government has suspended BBC Radio for three months following its coverage of the attacks. The reasons behind the suspension were not detailed but reflect broader tensions between the Nigerien government and international media organizations.
Regional Implications
The Sahel region remains one of the world’s most unstable areas, with cross-border insecurity affecting Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The situation in Niger underscores the urgent need for coordinated regional and international efforts to tackle the growing jihadist threat.
The Nigerien government has pledged to provide additional support to affected communities while continuing its military campaign against armed groups in the region.
