These tragic events, which follow the death of over 100 civilians in a series of attacks in early January, are a reminder of the urgency of making the protection of civilians the top priority in the response to the multidimensional crisis in the central Sahel (Niger, but also Mali and Burkina Faso). The recent attacks also underline the limits of the current counter-terrorism approach, which fails to prevent further violence against the population. To the contrary, civilians are increasingly vulnerable, as demonstrated by the large-scale displacement of people following the latest attacks.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of innocent life in our country. These horrific attacks in Niger mark the failure of a security strategy that has prioritised ’neutralising terrorists’ over investing in actions to provide sustainable security for the people of the Sahel. A new approach is urgently needed, not only in political statements but also in practice," declared Sita Adamou, President of the Nigerian Association for the Defence of Human Rights, which is member of the Citizens’ Coalition.
The Citizens’ Coalition for the Sahel is calling for a shift in priorities to respond more effectively to the crisis in the region, focusing on the protection of civilians, a political solution that addresses the root causes of instability, addressing the humanitarian emergency and fighting impunity. These four priorities will be the subject of concrete and quantifiable recommendations to the governments of the region and their international partners, in a report by the Citizens’ Coalition, "Sahel: What Needs to Change - For a New Approach Focused on the Needs of the People", to be published on 15 April 2021.