In a heartbreaking update from Niger, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals that nearly 130 individuals have been summarily executed by Islamist insurgents in various attacks since March. Among the most brutal of these incidents was a shooting at a mosque in the Tillabéri region in June, where more than 70 worshippers were killed while praying.
A local woman, who lost three of her sons in that attack, described the scene, stating, There were bodies everywhere, one on top of the other. This series of violent episodes poses a significant challenge to Niger's military government, which came to power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023 with promises to combat the ongoing insurgency.
According to HRW, approximately 1,600 civilians have fallen victim to violence perpetrated by Islamic State (IS) group fighters in Niger since the coup. The jihadist groups have not only executed civilians but have also destroyed schools and religious sites while imposing heavy restrictions on personal freedoms in line with their interpretation of Islam.
Senior researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi from HRW condemned the actions of the armed groups, stating, Islamist armed groups are targeting the civilian population in western Niger and committing horrific abuses. She called on Nigerien authorities to take stronger measures to safeguard people in the Tillabéri region.
Despite increasing violence, the Nigerien military has yet to respond to HRW's findings. Witness accounts from past attacks suggest that the military failed to heed prior warnings from villagers seeking protection.
This tragic violence is compounded by Niger's geographical challenges — the Tillabéri region borders Burkina Faso and Mali, areas heavily affected by jihadist activity. In light of the escalating violence and pressure to develop more effective strategies, Niger and its neighboring countries have shifted their security alliances, reducing ties with Western nations and seeking assistance from Russia and Turkey instead.
