US Govt Issues Travel Warning for Niger

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

As a result of increasing rate of crime, especially kidnappings, terrorist activity and high crime in the Republic of Niger, the United States government has warned its citizens to be careful of their visit to the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Department of State said it recommends US citizens avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Malian border area, the Libyan border area, the Diffa region, and Lake Chad Basin area because of activity by various extremist groups including al-Qa’eda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham–Islamic State West Africa (ISIS-WA), ISIS-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS), ISIS-Libya (ISIS-L), and Boko Haram.

“Due to security concerns and travel restrictions, the US Embassy’s ability to assist US citizens in remote and rural areas is very limited. This replaces the Travel Warning dated April 11, 2017,” the statement said.

Terrorist organizations, armed groups, and smugglers operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, and throughout northern Niger. Mali-based extremist groups have crossed the border and carried out multiple lethal attacks on Nigerien security forces (FDS) and on US forces assisting the FDS.

The government of Niger has maintained a state of emergency in the Diffa region since February 10, 2015, and a curfew has been in place in the Diffa region since December 2014.

The Nigerien government declared a state of emergency on March 3, 2017, for seven departments of the Tillaberi and Tahoua regions bordering Mali after a spate of deadly attacks.

There is significant potential for violent crime outside Niamey, and armed criminals target travellers throughout the country. Outside the city of Niamey, all US Embassy personnel are required to travel only during daylight hours in a minimum two-vehicle convoy and armed Nigerien government security escorts.

The statement noted that there is a high threat of kidnapping by various terrorist groups, who have kidnapped Westerners, including a US citizen, and threatened US citizens in Niger.

As a result of safety and security concerns, some organizations, including foreign companies, NGOs, and private aid organizations have suspended operations in Niger or withdrawn family members and/or staff.