Security Overview for Niger

Political conditions in Niger have calmed after several years of turmoil. A non-violent military coup in February 2010 lead by a group of soldiers called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD) unseated President Mamadou Tandja after he asserted emergency powers in 2009 to amend the constitution and extend his stay in office despite widespread international and domestic condemnation. The CSRD pledged to remain in office for one year until the constitution could be amended to hold democratic elections. Residents embraced the coup leaders because of their promises to restore democracy in the country. Social Democratic Party leader Mahamadou Issoufou was sworn into office in April 2011 after credible presidential and legislative elections took place without incident.

Despite recent changes to the political landscape, security conditions in the country have not improved. Niger remains dependent on foreign aid for food and hard currency and thus is highly unstable. Niger has a history of political instability and a coup may occur with little or no warning. In August 2002, Niamey, the capital city, experienced pay-related military mutinies that lasted several weeks before being put down by the army. Various groups engage in large strikes, demonstrations, and marches. Students at Niamey University, especially, stage spontaneous, large, and often violent demonstrations. February is annual protest month at the university, with Feb. 9 and Feb. 21 being the main protest dates for students. Protests quite often block roads, disrupt traffic, and have on occasion resulted in extensive damage to cars and buildings. Niger's police forces have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in the past. Most student protests occur at or near the Kennedy Bridge and the Niamey University campus.

The crime rate is exceptionally high in Niger. Walking, even during the day, is not recommended. Most foreigners employ security guards at their homes 24 hours a day. Foreigners and others are subject to assault and petty crimes such as pickpocketing, fraud, and scams. Criminals are often armed. Most criminals operate in areas frequented by travelers and foreigners. To reduce vulnerability, avoid displaying signs of affluence, change travel routes regularly, avoid walking after dark, and take only taxis pre-arranged by hosts or hotel staff, even for the shortest trips.

Public transportation is not secure. Travel only by taxi, preferably ones arranged by your hotel or hosts. Avoid travel to border areas, especially northern border areas. Criminal gangs operate freely along Niger's borders and may set up roadblocks to rob travelers. Avoid border regions except in the company of a trusted guide who is familiar with the area.

Ethnic Tuareg and Toubou rebel groups entered into peace agreements with the Niger government in 1995 and 1998 respectively, and have for the most part abided by these agreements. However, rogue elements in both groups continue to practice banditry and theft, especially near the border with Nigeria. There is a prevailing threat of kidnapping in Niger, especially in the rural regions bordering Nigeria.

Militants from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) pose a significant kidnapping threat to foreign visitors in northern Niger. Insurgents have staged several kidnappings along the border of Mali and Niger. AQIM often releases hostages once they receive ransom, but in January 2009 militants killed a British citizen in their custody. The presence of a small Islamist fundamentalist movement is also becoming a growing concern.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.