Niger becoming more dangerous?

In Niger this week the American Embassy announced that all US citizens must have a security escort when travelling outside the capital of Naimey as of the 30 January 2013.  This appears to be extended to travel by all Westerners and will be enforced by the Niger government.

Should this be greeted by surprise?  RPS Partnership, says not. It was always a possibility that Niger would become more dangerous, given the location of the country. 

Mali, as we all know, has its own problems with Islamists being ousted by the French and northern Nigeria where the “terrorists” (named so by the Nigerian government) of Boko Haram are being fought by the security forces of Nigeria.

Southern Niger is squeezed in the middle.

Niger may still yet become the middle ground for the West versus the Islamists and remains a fragile place where all the forces could ultimately collide.

Whether western intelligence agencies and military forces really think Niger may become another Mali remains to be seen. However, sending training teams to Niger earlier rather than later may ultimately save the country from becoming the schoolyard for the ensuing scrap that is surely going to follow when the French declare that the Mali conflict has been won.

If anyone thinks that the Islamists will just roll over and give up, they are seriously underestimating the will of the well armed forces on the ground.  Niger is a potential springboard for a straight run to Algeria, Libya, Mali, Burkino Faso and northern Nigeria and yet another Algerian hostage taking scenario.  Niger could just become the training ground where the Islamists can regroup in relative peace.

RPS Partnership is monitoring the area and at present would advise clients to move back to the capital and remain there for the short term until the situation unfolds a little more.  If this is not feasible a review of security should be undertaken.

Should you need advice for travel to this region, please contact RPS Partnership at [email protected] or call us to chat through your travelling plans.