Niamey, Niger – (African Boulevard News) – Over 13,000 women and children have fled the islands surrounding the Niger River due to the ongoing violence in the Tillabéri region, west of Niger. The region has experienced continued clashes between communities, leading to the displacement of civilians.
The “exactions” by armed men in the region has caused alarm among locals, with many of them fleeing the area out of fear for their safety. The Tillabéri region is known for its high level of banditry activity and inter-community violence.
According to a statement from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), these women and children have fled to the areas of Banibangou and Oullam, where they are receiving assistance. The UNICEF representative in Niger, Felicite Tchibindat, urged all parties involved to respect human rights, especially those of women and children.
“We urge all parties to respect the rights of women and children who are the most vulnerable in these contexts,” said Tchibindat. “We are committed to continuing our humanitarian assistance and support to the most vulnerable populations.”
The situation in the Tillabéri region remains precarious, with civilians caught in the middle of the ongoing violence. Humanitarian actors continue to express their concern about the safety of civilians in the area and have called for an end to the violence.
“The violence in the Tillabéri region is putting lives at risk, particularly for women and children,” said a spokesperson for the World Food Programme (WFP). “We continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to those who need it the most. We urge all parties to respect the sanctity of human life.”
The displacement of women and children is a severe human rights concern, and UNICEF has pledged to continue providing support to those affected. It is essential for all stakeholders to come together to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the Tillabéri region and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians.
“We are committed to working with the government and other partners to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the Tillabéri region,” Tchibindat added. “We must ensure the safety and well-being of all civilians, particularly women and children, who are most affected by the violence.”
