In a warning, the UN refugee agency said: UN refugee agencysaid previous attacks in recent weeks along Burkina Faso’s border with Niger had already led to an “influx” of displaced people into the Nigerien town of Téra, Tillabéri region, despite the “already dire” humanitarian situation there.
“Amid a worrying security situation in Tillabéri, marked by attacks by non-state armed groups, the asylum seekers may face further suspicions of links to these groups and are at risk of being forcibly returned if their refugee status is not recognized by the government,” UNHCR said.
The development follows years of insecurity in Burkina Faso, where more than a third of the country operates outside the control of the military, which seized power in 2022.
More broadly, the stability of the Sahel region has been threatened for years by a proliferation of armed groups. Starting in northern Mali, jihadist insurgents have moved south, causing lawlessness in northern Burkina Faso and western Niger, while also threatening the stability of other neighbouring countries.
Tillabéri Shelter
According to the UNHCR, Tillabéri is currently home to at least 223,400 displaced people from Niger and at least 36,500 asylum seekers from Burkinabé.
In addition to the latest refugees from Burkina Faso, 1,186 Nigerien nationals have also been displaced within Tillabéri, the UN agency said.
“In the last week of May and the first week of June 2024, non-state armed groups launched attacks against civilians in the municipalities of Mansila, Kantcari and Sempelga in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso,” UNHCR said in a report rack.
“This increase in violence has forced 3,068 Burkinabé asylum seekers to flee to Téra in the Tillabéri region of Niger by June 30…which puts severe pressure on local resources and the resilience of host communities.”
Persistent uncertainty
The UN agency pointed to the “highly volatile” security situation along the Niger-Burkina Faso border, noting that ongoing attacks and clashes between state and non-state actors “not only displace more people but also complicate humanitarian access and protection efforts”.
As part of its response, UNHCR has worked with local authorities and partners to pre-register 470 households (3,068 people) for asylum and provide financial assistance to address immediate needs.
According to the UN agency, more than 400 vulnerable people in need of urgent assistance have also been identified, including 207 female heads of households, breastfeeding women, pregnant women and children with mental health problems or suffering from malnutrition.
Plans are also underway to assist 600 households with emergency shelters and latrines, but “there is also an immediate need for food, nutritional packages and emergency shelter,” the UNHCR said, adding that Nutritional support remains “a critical priority, especially for malnourished children”.
