But insecurity in the region is making it difficult for the UNHCR to bring them the help they need, the statement added. “Insecurity in these areas severely hampers our ability to reach the affected population, those forced to flee and the communities hosting them,” it said. In Niger, some 5,000 people fled to the nearby towns of Banibangou or Oualam, which are already hosting more than 7,000 Malian refugees, UNHCR said. Around 1,000 Nigerien refugees, including unaccompanied children, have crossed over into Mali at the border town of Anderaboukane in the Menaka region, receiving help from local people. There is growing concern from Libya’s neighbours including Niger that they are suffering the fallout from the increasing instability there.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 19, 2020 17:15 UTC