Jihadists execute nearly 130 civilians in Niger
Islamist insurgents have killed nearly 130 civilians in Niger since March, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), which accuses fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS) group of carrying out “summary executions” in the country’s volatile west.
The rights group documented five major attacks, including a massacre in June at a mosque in the Tillabéri region, where more than 70 worshippers were gunned down during evening prayers.
“There were bodies everywhere, one on top of the other,” a grieving mother who lost three sons told HRW.
The killings highlight the failure of Niger’s military junta to stem jihadist violence, despite its pledge to restore security after seizing power from President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.
Since the coup, about 1,600 civilians have been killed in jihadist attacks, according to figures cited by HRW.
Witnesses accused the army of ignoring repeated warnings of attacks, leaving villages exposed.
In one incident in May, five men and two boys were executed in Dani Fari, their bodies “riddled with bullets,” a herder recounted. Fighters also destroyed homes, schools and religious sites while imposing harsh restrictions on civilians.
Although no group has formally claimed responsibility, residents identified the attackers as IS fighters, recognisable by their red-banded turbans.
“The Nigerien authorities need to do more to protect people living in Tillabéri,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior HRW researcher, urging greater action to shield civilians.
Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, also under military rule, has aligned with Russia and Turkey in its fight against jihadists after distancing itself from Western allies.
However, violence continues to escalate across the Sahel, undermining regional security efforts.
