Ayarou Niger Republic:Terrorist Armed Groups Consolidate Grip as Population Left to Fend for Themselves
By: Zagazola Makama
The situation in Ayorou wards, located in the Tillabéri region of Niger, has reached a critical level of severity as Terrorist Armed Groups (GAT) continue to tighten their control over large swathes of the territory. The villages of Koutougou, Kongokiré, Gaoudel, Tamoulaje, Alawayane, Tannigratane, Yassane-gorou, Yassane police, and the central village of Yassane are now under the constant domination of these armed groups.
Inhabitants of Yassane, a village that hosts a military base and is situated just 18 kilometers from the city of Ayorou, live in daily fear.
The terrorist groups, who no longer hesitate to seize the most valuable possessions of the locals after having already stripped them of their livestock, create chaos by taking suitcases, valuables, and forcing men to flee their homes in search of safety elsewhere.
Despite the presence of a military base in Yassane, meant to protect these communities, the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (DFS) have been unable to ensure the safety of the area. Since August 2023, the local population has ceased to rely on these forces for protection, having lost hope after months of repeated neglect and abandonment.
The frequency of attacks has increased to such an extent that residents cannot go more than 72 hours without being awakened by gunfire, scattered, and humiliated by relentless GAT assaults. The situation is dire, and the cries of distress from the population have so far gone unanswered by the authorities.
Much like the communities of Bankilaré, Tamou, Abala, Takanamatt, Yaya, and others, the people of Ayorou find themselves abandoned to their fate, living under the oppressive control of increasingly bold and violent armed groups.
