Niger

West and Central Africa

Niger

Niger is one of the main countries of asylum in West Africa and is at the heart of a turbulent region where violent extremism has been on the rise due to the increasing presence of non-state regional-based armed groups and cross-border incursions.

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Niger. Malian refugee working in a sustainable market garden in Abala

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Situated at the crossroads of multiple regional crises, Niger faces instability linked to instability in neighboring Burkina Faso, Libya, Nigeria (including Boko Haram activities), Mali, and Chad. Persistent violence and insecurity have triggered large-scale displacement into and within the country, particularly in the regions of Tillaberi, Tahoua, Diffa, and Maradi. These challenges are compounded by the growing impacts of climate change, including flooding and drought, which worsen rural poverty and strain public services.

Despite the fluid situation following the military takeover on 26 July 2023, UNHCR operations in Niger remain uninterrupted. The agency has activated a robust business continuity plan and continues to monitor developments closely with partners to safeguard essential services.

UNHCR uses a community-based and Nexus approach to provide holistic protection and solutions, with a focus on people with specific needs, especially women and children. Assistance includes life-saving interventions, support for urbanization and livelihoods, and efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between displaced and host communities.

Niger is also the first country to establish an Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) for refugees evacuated from Libya.