Niger

Background

The Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice (MNJ - Movement of Nigeriens for Justice) has been fighting the Niger government since February 2007. While incidents were initially confined to the country’s north, several southern cities were also affected from the second half of 2007. The northern Agadez region has been under a state of emergency since August 2007, thereby affecting the local economy and impeding humanitarian aid and relief efforts to the population. The outcome of preliminary negotiations between the government, the MNJ and two splinter groups initiated in 2009 remains unclear.

While there has been no confirmed anti-personnel (AP) mine use to date in Niger, the Niger army collected a number AP mines through disarmament schemes in 2008. Anti-vehicle (AV) mines have caused civilian casualties. Contrary to international norms, AV mines have been laid indiscriminately, notably on roads frequently used by both military and civilian vehicles and in major urban centres, including the capital Niamey.

Activities

Following a field assessment mission undertaken in February 2008, Geneva Call has been engaging the MNJ in an AP mine ban and on the international norms restricting the use of AV mines - as contained in customary international humanitarian law and the (known as the CCW) and its 1996 . The MNJ has a stated policy banning AP mines and the use of AV mines in urban centers, but aspects of its AV mine use policy require further engagement. Efforts have included several meetings and a daylong workshop with the MNJ’s political wing, as well as regular communication with its armed wing. In 2009, following preliminary talks between the Niger government, the MNJ and two splinter factions, Geneva Call has lobbied both sides so that they address mine action, particularly demining, comprehensively in possible future peace negotiations. Geneva Call has also worked with the local press to disseminate the international norms on AP and AV mines in order to sensitize readers in areas where the MNJ operates.

For further information:

Aïr Info, 2009, , p.3, 15 January.

Geneva Call, 2008,, Report of the Geneva Call assessment mission to Niamey, 15-21 February.