IN the wake of a military coup and subsequent political upheaval in Niger, nearly 7,000 migrants find themselves stranded in the country, facing uncertainty and challenges in their quest to return to their home countries or pursue migration to Europe. The situation has been further complicated by closed borders and airspace, leading to overcrowded conditions and concerns of potential exploitation.
Among those trapped in Niger is Sahr John Yambasu, a 29-year-old migrant from Sierra Leone, who embarked on a perilous journey to Europe but was forced to turn back due to harrowing circumstances. Yambasu’s return journey to Niger began in June, and while he reached the country, he has been unable to proceed further due to the turmoil that followed the military coup.
‘I feel sad because it’s a country that I don’t belong to. It’s not easy,’ Yambasu expressed his frustration and uncertainty about his situation.
The coup, which took place after members of the presidential guard overthrew Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamad Bazoum, resulted in regional tensions, shuttered borders, and airspace closure. This has left thousands of migrants stranded, making it extremely challenging for them to leave Niger.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 1,800 migrants are living on the streets of Niger due to overcrowded conditions in centres run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). These centres are operating at 14 percent over capacity, as they typically hold about 5,000 people who are trying to return home.
Paola Pace, the acting interim chief of mission for the IOM in Niger, voiced concerns about the adverse effects of the stalled repatriation process. ‘This situation poses challenges for migrants as migrants staying in these centres may experience heightened stress and uncertainty with limited prospects for voluntary return and already crowded facilities,’ Pace emphasised.
Aid groups, such as COOPI, which provides shelter to migrants, have been significantly impacted by the closure of borders. COOPI warns that it is running out of essential supplies like food and water. Morena Zucchelli, head of mission for COOPI in Niger, highlighted the critical situation, stating, ‘If the situation doesn’t change … we can’t guarantee things will continue running.’
Before the coup, Niger had been collaborating with the European Union (EU) to manage migration and address security and socio-economic challenges. However, the political turmoil has led the EU to freeze assistance to Niger, raising concerns about the future cooperation between the new military leadership and the EU.
As migrants like Yambasu and others remain trapped in limbo, their plight underscores the far-reaching consequences of political instability on vulnerable populations seeking refuge, return, or a better life.