How Bandits Freely Control Parts Of The Republic of Niger

The Human Rights Watch has described as brutal, the killings of civilians by bandit groups in towns and villages of the Republic of Niger.

The group in a statement said more than 420 civilians have been killed by gunmen this year, adding that, thousands have been displaced in attacks on the western part of Niger since January. 

The HRW stated that jihadist fighters had entered the villages on motorcycles, killing men and children, burning homes and storehouses.

The attackers killed people in their homes, rental cars, at wells and funerals, and while grazing or feeding animals.

Among those killed were villagers, imams and many children, some were killed after being taken from their parents.

According to the Sahel Regional Director of the organization, Corinne Dufka, "It appears that Islamist militants with weapons are fighting civilians in western Niger."

The Human Rights Watch said it has visited Niger from June 23 to July 4, where it interviewed 44 witnesses to the abuses against 16 others, including Fulani, Tuaregs, Zarma community leaders, local government heads and security officers.

Others include members of Nigerien human rights groups and even foreign diplomats.

The nine attacks recorded by Human Rights Watch, took place between January and July, in villages and towns west of Tillabéri and Tahoua, near the Mali-Burkina Faso border.

Since 2019, rebel groups have carried out attacks in these two regions of Niger.

The organization also called on armed groups to stop abusing civilians.

Adding that local authorities need to step up efforts to protect vulnerable villages.

The Human Rights Watch's report comes shortly after bandits intensify their attacks on villages in Maradi State, which borders Nigeria, forcing thousands to flee their homes.