Niger

Instability in the Malian regions of Gao and Menaka has spread into Niger, particularly affecting the border areas of Tahoua and Tillaberi regions. Attacks, especially against schools, and abductions have also been reported in areas that border Burkina Faso as Islamist armed groups take advantage of the porous border to lead actions across the region and evade both Malian and Nigerien armed forces. The crisis has led to destabilisation of the region by causing large-scale population movements. There has also been a notable growth in the use of improvised explosive devices targeting military operations but resulting in civilian casualties.? More than 137,000 people are currently displaced in Tahoua and Tillaberi regions which also host some 55,000 Malian refugees.?