Border Security: Communities' Integration and Perception

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions a The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations used and the presentation of the data in the report do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of IOM concerning facts such as legal status, country, territory, city or particular area or about their authorities, borders or confines.

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70_17 Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions

Acknowledgements

Our thanks go to Mr Daouda Alghabid, Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Head of Government of Niger, and to the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, Decentralization and Customary and Religious Affairs. Their active support of the “Engaging communities in the border management in Niger” project, of which this study constitutes an essential element, allows the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to work under the best possible conditions.

More specifically, the IOM would like to thank the Governors of the Diffa and Zinder regions, as well as the Prefects and Mayors of the departments and municipalities included, for their valuable assistance both in the preparation and in the conduct of the investigation.

IOM Niger also thanks all canton and village chiefs in the Zinder and Diffa regions for the mobilization of their communities selected for the study. The departmental and municipal youth councils have also contributed to the smooth running of the field researchers’ mission, for which we would also like to thank them.

Finally, our thanks go to the donor which allowed us to conduct this study, the State Department of the United States of America.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions iii The “Engaging Communities in Border Management in Niger” Project

IOM seeks to contribute to the objectives of • Establishing a dialogue with the Niger and subregional policies and strategies to authorities; enhance border security in the Lake Chad Basin, • Taking ownership of the national through the integration of communities in border contingency plan; management, as well as the stimulation of cross- border cooperation. In close coordination with • Creation of local committees for the Flintlock military exercise in Chad, the project monitoring and coordination in is a continuation of the project conducted in collaboration with the authorities; Senegal by IOM in 2016. • Delivery of communication equipment. Implementation Period: October 2016 – October 2017 II. Strengthening response capacity for border humanitarian and security crises Budget: 990,000 USD – 590,000,000 FCFA • Simulation exercise of cross-border crisis to identify the relevant actors and identify Primary Beneficiaries: the needs; • Implementation of an interdepartmental • Border communities in the Diffa and task force to draft a national contingency Zinder regions; plan for borders; • Authorities present and active along the • Simulation exercise to implement the borders of the Diffa and Zinder regions; national contingency plan. • Authorities in charge of immigration and border management in Chad. III. Promote cross-border cooperation with Chad Activities: Project activities have been designed to promote • Implementation of a bilateral coordination dialogue and participation of the border framework; communities with the authorities, to improve the capacity of the Government of Niger in terms • Dialogue on the institutionalization of of humanitarian and security crisis response at coordinated, joint and mixed patrols, the border as well as to strengthen the cross- through bilateral workshops; border cooperation. • Validation of a joint action plan on border monitoring. I. Involvement of communities in border management

• Field investigation in the regions of Diffa and Zinder on the communities’ perception of security at the border;

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception iv Diffa and Zinder regions Table of contents

Acknowledgements...... iii Introduction...... 1 Research methodology...... 2 Methodology of analysis...... 7

Interpretation of results...... 8

1. Sample...... 9 1.1. Gender...... 9 1.2. Nationality...... 10 1.3. Ethnicity...... 10 1.4. Professional activity...... 11

2. Perceptions of local communities on the border management...... 12 2.1. Knowledge of the location and of the function of the border...... 12 2.2. Border crossing...... 12 2.3. Reasons for crossing the border...... 14 2.4. Border-crossing frequency...... 15 2.5. Knowledge of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) present at the border...... 16

3. Security risks at the border...... 17 3.1. Knowledge of crossings of border-crossing points for criminal activities...... 17 3.2. Security problems encountered at the border...... 18 3.3. Assessment by the respondents of the security measures taken at the border level...... 19 3.4. Risks that may be the result of inadequate management of border security...... 19

4. Perceptions of the communities on terrorism...... 21 4.1. Types of terrorist activities known by the respondents...... 21 4.2. Factors favoring support for terrorism...... 22 4.3. Respondents perception regarding the protection of their community against terrorism...... 24 4.4. Evolution of the terrorism threat ...... 24 4.5. Proposal for measures to be taken by local communities to prevent the terrorist threat...... 27

5. Effectiveness of border management...... 29 5.1. What is “security” according to the respondents...... 29 5.2. Patrols and security level in the area...... 29 5.2. Assessment of security levels in the area and in villages experiencing security problems...... 30 5.3. Local representatives responsible for border security management, according to the respondents...... 31 5.4. Assessment of the work of the stakeholders responsible for border security...... 33 5.5. Can the local authorities ensure alone the border security?...... 33 5.6. Relationship between the local community and border security officers...... 34 5.7. Relationship between the authorities and the local communities...... 36

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions v 6. Communication between authorities and communities regarding border security...... 40 6.1. Intermediary person used by the communities to communicate with the authorities on border security matters ...... 40 6.2. Proposal for provisions to implement a permanent communication and an alert system between the community and the authorities on border security...... 41 6.3. The benefits of good communication between communities and authorities on border security matters, according to the respondents...... 42 6.4. The risk of miscommunication when an incident occurs at the border...... 43

7. Crisis response plan...... 44 7.1. Causes of the mass displacements of populations at the border according to the respondents...... 44 7.2. Do you think that communities are ready to deal with a mass displacement of the population?...... 45 7.3. The necessary means to deal with an emergency...... 46 7.4. Roles the authorities should play to deal with an emergency...... 47 7.5. The roles to be played by communities to deal with ...... an emergency situation...... 48 7.6. How to associate communities and the authorities for an effective management of emergency situations?...... 48 7.7. How can local communities help prevent emergencies?...... 49

8. Management of emergency situations in the Diffa region...... 50 8.1. Reaction to the mass displacement of a population following a crisis situation...... 50 8.2. The reaction of the local community and community leaders during a crisis...... 51 8.3. Immediate measures taken by the stakeholders in charge of border management following a crisis...... 52

Conclusion...... 53 Annexes...... 56 Questionnaire and explanations for researchers...... 56 Data analysis...... 65

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception vi Diffa and Zinder regions Introduction

Playing the role of a crossroad for migratory flows in West Africa, Niger is also surrounded by conflict areas where armed groups regularly conduct incursions to get supplies, recruit or launch attacks on defense and security forces and civilian populations. Border security is thus one of the top priorities of the Niger Government to protect the country from the surrounding instability.

Niger's 5,697 kilometers of border, mostly located in desert area, are not always equipped with the necessary infrastructure (roads, border checkpoints, wells, phone network) and the defense and security forces are lacking capacity to ensure constant monitoring. Accordingly, authorities must be able to count on the border communities’ support to ensure the security of the borders.

The border communities are the first in line when an incident occurs in the neighbouring country or when irregular events take place at the border. They are playing a crucial role to warn the authorities. In addition, in situations of mass displacement of the population, local communities are often the first to support the displaced: they can identify the most vulnerable persons as well as the risk factors in terms of safety and health.

Engaging communities does not intend to replace authorities by community-based militias, which would constitute a factor of further instability. Engaging communities includes transmitting information to the authorities in case of incidents or suspicious activities at the border; it is a form of citizen engagement that leads communities to contribute to their own protection while ensuring the Nigerien border integrity and respecting the sovereignty of the State.

In many areas, cooperation between border communities and the authorities already exists, but often in an ad hoc and informal way. The existing mechanisms for transmitting information between a village and the departmental or regional authorities also involve many intermediaries and are, as a result, unreliable and slow. This study gives a more detailed overview in order to establish suitable strengthening systems.

This study on the integration and perception of the border security by the populations is built around the other activities implemented within the “Engaging Communities in Border Management in Niger” project. It allows us to identify more precisely the villages which could host a community prevention committee. It is also a tool for the Government to direct its action on border areas and adapt the community engagement terms for border management.

A part of the investigation is focused on terrorism and the presence of Boko Haram1, the main security issue of the Diffa region. The group, which was initially a sect founded in 2002, launched an armed insurgency in the northeast of Nigeria in 2009. Led by Abubakar Shekau since 2010, Boko Haram intensified its attacks to launch an offensive on Diffa in 2015. The same year, Shekau pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group before being rejected in favor of Abu Al-Barnawi Mosaf, considered less extreme. The group then split in two rival factions, which led to confrontations.2 Even if the group is now declining, it keeps a strong capacity of nuisance against the defense and security forces and the civilian population.

This study focuses on the communities’ perceptions and was not conducted to provide an objective vision of the reality. For example, if the respondents of a said municipality believe that terrorism is increasing in their town, it does not necessarily mean that there is an actual worsening of the phenomenon in this area. It only means that the persons interviewed believe the situation is worsening.

1 Boko Haram, from “book” in English and “haram” in Arabic, which means essentially that “western education is a sin”. 2 See www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/boko-haram-descends-into-in-fighting-as-reports-emerge-of-deadly-clashes-between- rival-islamist-a7231726.html

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 1 Research methodology

Objectives and expected results

To support the IOM strategy, the activities of the border management team in Niger aim to help the Government of Niger to develop the infrastructural, material and institutional capacities of the National Police and of all the defense and security forces at the border. As part of its support to the Niger State for its project “Engaging communities in border management in Niger”, funded by the United States, IOM would like to better understand the perceptions that the communities living in cross-border areas have of their integration in border management, their understanding of the migratory dynamics and their perception of the terrorism incidents in the Lake Chad basin region.

This quantitative and analytical study will therefore help national and international stakeholders adapting their actions to better involve the communities and to interact with them to better answer everyone’s needs. This study shows, a fortiori, the need to consider the communities as a key role for border management through the implementation of prevention committee, and not as a potential expiatory victim anymore.

The overall goal of this study is to learn how to analyse the current strengths and failures in terms of community integration to border management. It will participate in the implementation of a strengthening mechanism for border security through the involvement of border communities.

Background

Villages included in the study were selected during the meetings held in Zinder and Diffa, which were attended by IOM’s staff, regional Governor, prefects, mayors, representatives of youth councils and traditional leaders from the border areas. Authorities initially proposed a list of 300 villages nearthe border with Chad and Nigeria. Discussions then helped to choose the 99 villages that best matched the following criteria: • Located within 3 km of an international border (Chad or Nigeria); • Representative population of the border communities; • A large enough population centre.

Participants ensured that all ethnic communities living in the border area were represented withthe selection of villages.

Twenty-five researchers were recruited at the local level, based on their knowledge of the region and of the local languages, and travelled through the selected border villages for a month. A three-day training was previously provided by the IOM Border management and Information Management units, including interview and data collection methods, and the data management and transfer processes. During the investigations, two IOM supervisors in Diffa and Zinder ensured the daily monitoring of researchers and data control.

Researchers also had a questionnaire guide, providing clarification on the meaning of each question in order to facilitate their understanding. The guide also contained indications for the most sensitive questions. For example, at the beginning of the section “Perception on terrorism for local communities”, the guide explained that if the word terrorism did not seem to be adapted to the context—for security reasons— researchers could use periphrases in local languages. Tdjirwa’ma (the one who seeks terror) in Kanouri language and ain bidiga dady (those who like guns) in Hausa are for instance two expressions commonly used in the region to refer to Boko Haram members.3

3 See Questionnaire Guide in Annex.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 2 Diffa and Zinder regions 6,722 interviews in 99 villages

Dates: Performance : from 20 February to 10 interviews per day 20 March, i.e. 28 days and per researcher

Diffa region: Zinder region:  5,271 interviews (78%)  1,451 interviews (22%)  20 researchers  5 researchers  20 phones  5 phones

Seventy-nine villages in the Diffa region, located in the 8 municipalities sharing a border with Nigeria or Chad, have been investigated. In the Zinder region, 20 villages of the border municipalities located east of the regional capital were covered. Relying on the youth councils network and with the support of the traditional authorities, researchers conducted an average of 270 individual interviews each. Un consultant statisticien a ensuite été recruté pour analyser les données et rédiger la partie technique A statisticiande l’étude. consultant was then hired to analyse the collected data and write the technical part of the study.

Preliminary mission to target the villages covered by the assessment Individual interviews with respondentsInterview sheets forwarded toData IOM compilation staff Drafting of analysis report

Distribution of respondents by region, department and municipality

REPARTITION DES REPONDANTS PAR REGIONNumber, DEPARTEMENT ETPercentage COMMUNE Diffa 5,271 78.41% Effectif Pourcentage Bosso 803 11.95% Diffa 5 271 78,41% Bosso Bosso 803803 11.95% 11,95% DiffaBosso 2,109803 31.37%11,95% Diffa Chetimari 5232 109 7.78% 31,37% ChetimariDiffa 577523 8.58%7,78% DiffaGueskerou 1,009577 15,01%8,58% GoudoumariaGueskerou 7071 009 10,52% 15,01% Goudoumaria Goudoumaria 707707 10,52% 10,52% MaineGoudoumaria Soroa 1,094707 16,27%10,52% Maine Maine Soroa Soroa 1,0941 094 16,27% 16,27% Maine Soroa 1 094 16,27% N’Gourti 281 4,18% N’Gourti Border security: Communities’281 integration and 4,18%perception 3 N’Guigmi 277Diffa and Zinder 4,12% regions N’Guigmi 277 4,12% Zinder 1 451 21,59% Dungass 872 12,97% Dogo-Dogo 511 7,60% Dungass 72 1,07% Mallaoua 289 4,30% Goure 579 8,61% Boune 579 8,61% Total 6 722 100,00%

Number Percentage N’Gourti 281 4,18% N’Gourti 281 4,18% N’Guigmi 277 4,12% N’Guigmi 277 4,12% Zinder 1,451 21,59% Dungass 872 12.97% Dogo-Dogo 511 7.60% Dungass 72 1.07% Mallaoua 289 4.30% Goure 579 8,61% Boune 579 8.61% Total 6,722 100.00%

In the Diffa region, all municipalities share a border with Nigeria, except for N’Gourti and N’Guigmi, which adjoin the Chadian border. The entire region is subject to a State of emergency since October 2015 but all municipalities are not affected in the same way by Boko Haram. Thus, N’Gourti and Goudoumaria have been relatively spared by the attacks.

In the Zinder region, municipalities also share a border with Nigeria. They have not been directly affected by Boko Haram attacks but they have had to accommodate a fraction of the population displaced because they were fleeing the violence. Persistent rumors spread on the presence of Boko Haram and potential attacks but they have never resulted in any actions.

Map 1: Villages covered by the research

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 4 Diffa and Zinder regions Satellite photo of the area covered by the research.

Methodological approach Sampling The sampling unit for this study was 99 villages located within 3 kilometres or less from the border. The sample size was not determined on the basis of the general size of the population in the covered area, but aimed at a qualitative representation of the border communities, and especially their ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity.

Investigation method The choice of respondents was made randomly while ensuring a fair representation of age groups, social categories, nationalities and ethnicities present in the surveyed area.

The questionnaire used almost exclusively multiple choice questions (closed-ended questions). The respondent had the option to choose the answer “other” and to explain his/her response in a dedicated text field. For many questions, respondents had the possibility to give several answers. Four open-ended questions were included in the questionnaire, in order to give more freedom to respondents on specific topics.

The collected data was stored on a secured database, sorted and cleaned to allow analysis and graphical representation.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 5 Challenges encountered • In the municipalities of Chetimari and Gueskérou, as well as along Komadougou, security issues forced the researchers to remove their IOM uniform, or anything identifying them with IOM as they feared being targeted by Boko Haram. A few villagers also suspected the researchers were informants for the armed forces. • Some villages are very remote and far from any major urban hub, and are not served by roads or tracks. The researchers then travelled by horse or dromedary, as the state of emergency banned movements of motorcycles within the Diffa region. • In Bosso, Chetimari and Gueskerou, some villages were partially or totally displaced since May 2015 following the Nigerien Government call to evacuate insular villages, perceived as dangerous. • Because of some cultural practices specific to some remote areas, it was often difficult forthe investigators to lead individual interviews with women. This explains the relatively small portion of female respondents (23.45%).

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 6 Diffa and Zinder regions Methodology of analysis

Most of the questions in this questionnaire are closed-ended multiple-choice questions. For these answers, the analysis should highlight the proportion of respondents compared to the answers they selected. The goal is to find the number or percentage of respondents choosing a specific answer to the entire survey sample. In addition, the choice “other” available with all the multiple-choice questions, allows the respondents to specify their choice in case it differs from the proposed answers.

However, the percentages expressing the choice of the respondents can sometimes reflect the frequencies within the overall responses expressed. This highlights the relative extent of the given answers as well as the most frequent choices made by the respondents. For this type of question, the sum of the extracted responses percentages can be greater than 100 per cent, as each respondent could give two or more answers.

Regarding the open questions, the basic clean helped to bring out the most frequent and most relevant answers given by the respondents.

For the various variables of the survey, graphical representations in the form of circular or stick diagrams were carried out on the basis of the percentages of the answers formulated. For multiple-choice questions, the graphical representation chosen is usually the stick diagram. For closed-ended questions with single choice, graphical representations in the form of a circular diagram were made to take into account the mutually exclusive nature of the different answers.

The results of the survey are sometimes detailed according to the regions or municipalities ofthe respondents, to take into account the significant differences in the responses obtained according to these geographical areas. Several factors may influence respondents’ perceptions of the studied aspects (municipalities protected from insecurity, areas severely affected by terrorism, displaced villages, etc.).

Cartographic representations are also included within the document, allowing the visualization ofthe variations of the answers given and the specificities of some variables of the study at the villagesor municipalities’ level.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 7 Interpretation of results

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 8 Diffa and Zinder regions 1. Sample

The researchers were told to ensure that all ethnic communities, all age groups and all sections of the population were covered by the study, to reflect as faithfully as possible the border population of this region of Niger.

1.1. Gender

Although the emphasis was placed on gender during the researchers’ training, to ensure that men and women had equal opportunities to respond to the questionnaire, the interviewed individuals are largely men. Among the 6,722 responses received, there are 5,146 men, which correspond to 76.5 per cent of the sample, and 1,576 women (23.5% of the sample). It should be noted that local traditions have created difficulties for the interviews with women, even when the researcher was a woman. Some of the individual interviews had to be conducted in the presence of the husband. However, the rate of 23.45 per cent women interviewed is a very positive result in this region compared to other studies of this type.

Number Percentage Women 1,576 23.45% Men 5,146 76.55% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 9 1.2. Nationality

The study focused on persons living in the border areas of Diffa and Zinder, in the villages selected for the sample. Surveyed people are thus, in a large proportion, Nigeriens (92.8%). There is a relatively large share of Nigerians (7.2%) and a few Chadians (0.04%). Covered areas are mainly borders with Nigeria and there are strong social and economic ties between the populations on each side of the border. The presence of many Nigerians refugees4 in the Diffa region, who often live with host families with kinship, also explains the relatively high proportion of nationals from Nigeria. Finally, in Diffa and Zinder, weekly markets attract many Nigerian traders and buyers.

NationalityNationality of ofSurveyed Surveyed Persons Persons

Chad 0.0% Nigeria 7.2%

Niger 92.8%

1.3. Ethnicity

The Kanouri (66% of the sample) and Hausa (17%) ethnic groups, traditionally sedentary, are also significantly present in the North of Nigeria. Kanouris predominate in the Diffa region while Hausas represent the main ethnic 1.3.group in theEthnicity Zinder region.

PeulhsThe Kanouriare present (66% on of almost the sample) all the andNigerien Hausa Territory, (17%) ethnic and more groups, generally traditionally in West sedentary, Africa. Traditionally are also nomadic,significantly they presentguide their in the flocks North on of hundreds, Nigeria. Kanourisor even thousandspredominate of inkilometres, the Diffa followingregion while an East-WestHausas axisrepresent which can the go main as far ethnic as Senegal group andin the Côte Zinder d'Ivoire. region. Another nomadic group, the Toubous, live mainly in desert areas in the North and East of the Diffa region, especially in the town of N’Gourti. A significant part of Peulhsthe Peuhl are andpresent Toubou on almost populations all the Nigerienare now Territosedentary.ry, and more generally in West Africa. Traditionally nomadic, they guide their flocks on hundreds, or even thousands of kilometers, following an East-West axis which can go as far as Senegal and Ivory Coast. Another nomadic group, the Toubous, live mainly in desert areas in the North and East of the Diffa region, especially in the town of N’Gourti. A significant part of the Peuhl and Toubou populations are now sedentary.

Ethnicity

Haoussa 17.17% Others 0.95% Kanouri Boudouma 66.3% 4 As of April 30, 2017, 106,0003.30% Nigerian refugees were in Niger: https://data2.unhcr.org/en/country/ner Toubou Border security:5.31% Communities’ integration and perception 10 Diffa and Zinder regions Peulh 6.99%

Nationality of Surveyed Persons

Chad 0.0% Nigeria 7.2%

Niger 92.8%

1.3. Ethnicity

Peulhs are present on almost all the Nigerien Territory, and more generally in West Africa. Traditionally nomadic, they guide their flocks on hundreds, or even thousands of kilometers, following an East-West axis which can go as far as Senegal and Ivory Coast. Another nomadic group, the Toubous, live mainly in desert areas in the North and East of the Diffa region, especially in the town of N’Gourti. A significant part of the Peuhl and Toubou populations are now sedentary.

EthnicityEthnicity

Haoussa 17.17% Others 0.95% Kanouri Boudouma 66.3% 3.30% Toubou 5.31% Peulh 6.99% 1.4. Professional Activity Professional activities of the populations surveyed in the area are usually linked to the primary and

1.4.trade Professionalsector. Agriculture activityis the most popular activity among the surveyed persons with a 62% share. Then follow livestock and trade, representing respecti20 vely 11% and 7% of the surveyed persons. Fishing Professionalis also present activities in some of theareas populations and covers surveyed 3% of thein the respondents. area are usually linked to the primary and trade sector. Agriculture is the most popular activity among the surveyed persons with a 62 per cent share. Then followThese livestock figures and should trade, not representing be interpreted respectively as indicating 11 per that cent all and respondents 7 per cent of are the employed surveyed onpersons. a full-time Fishingbasis, is which also present would in be some sufficient areas and to providecovers 3 forper theircent of own the andrespondents. family needs. Many of the persons who responded “agriculture” are involved in this activity for purposes of subsistence and for part of the Theseyear figuresonly. During should the not “hunger be interpreted season”, as indicatingwhich usually that runs all respondents from November are employed to June ondepending a full-time on the basis, which would be sufficient to provide for their own and family needs. Many of the persons who respondeddate of the “agriculture” first rains, are most involved of the in farmersthis activity are forwork purposesing more of subsistencein the fields. and Historically, for part of themany year of them only.traveled During to the Nigeria “non-active to take season”, up temporary which usually jobs inruns sma fromll trade, November construction to June depending work, domestic on the dateservices, of etc. theWith first the rains, arrival there of is Bokovery little Haram work and to the do inresulting the fields. insecurity, Historically, this possibilitymany of them was travelled considerably to Nigeria reduced, to takeaggravating up temporary even jobs more in small the employmenttrade, construction issues work,in th edomestic region and services, especially etc. With during the thearrival hunger of Boko season. Haram and the resulting insecurity, this possibility was considerably reduced, aggravating even more the employment issues in the region and especially during the non-active season.

ProfessionalProfessional Activity Activity Fishing 3.0% Livestock Other 11.3% 15.4%

Trade 7.1%

Agriculture 63.2%

II. Perceptions of local communities on the border management Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 11

This part of the study highlights the perception of the communities living in the border areas, on the border management and their own border crossings. Because of their knowledge of the border regions and their frequent border-crossings to Nigeria, these populations are well informed about the issues of border management.

2.1. Knowledge of the location and of the function of the border

2. Perceptions of local communities on the border management

This part of the study highlights the perception of the communities living in the border areas, on the border management and their own border crossings. Because of their knowledge of the border regions and their frequent border crossings to Nigeria, these populations are well informed about the issues of border management.

2.1. Knowledge of the location and of the function of the A large partborder of the respondents reported knowing the exact location of the border (95% of respondents). This knowledge of the border location by local populations comes from their location in theA largeborder part area of theand respondents their frequent reported trips to knowing the neighboring the exact country.location Furthermore, of the border east(95% of of the respondents). Diffa region,This knowledge the border of is themarked border with location the Komadougou- by local populationsYobé river oncomes a distance from theirof a hundredlocation kilometers,in the border area and their frequent trips to the neighbouring country. Furthermore, east of the Diffa region, the border which makes its identification easier. is marked with the Komadougou-Yobé river on a distance of a hundred kilometres, which makes its Regardingidentification the function easier. of a border, people mainly understand its role as the delimitation of the separation between two States, as 92% of respondents refer to this function of the border. In addition, 30%Regarding of respondents the function find ofthat a border, the border people helps mainly ensure understand people’s its rolesafety as theand delimitation 27% add the of easethe separation of monitoringbetween twoentries States, and asexits 92 by per the cent authorities. of respondents The usefulness refer to ofthis the function border to of ensure the border. the security In addition, of 30 per cent of respondents find that the border helps ensure people’s safety and 27 per cent add the ease the population is therefore identified relatively marginal by respondents, who, however, understand of monitoring entries and exits by the authorities. The usefulness of the border to ensure the security of itsthe administrative population function.is therefore identified relatively marginal by respondents, who, however, understand its administrative function.

Do Doyou you know know exactly exactly wh erewhere the borderthe border is ? is? No 5.3%

Yes 94.7%

2.2.2.2. BorderBorder crossing‐crossing Among the surveyed persons, almost all have already crossed the border in the past (98%), before the Amongpresence the surveyed of Boko Harampersons, in almost the area. all have Thus, already thanks crossed to the the proximity border within the the past border, (98%), movementsbefore the are recurring for various reasons (economic, family or for specific activities). This reflects the close ties between presence of Boko Haram in the area. Thus, thanks to the proximity with the border, movements are the populations of the regions of Diffa and Zinder with the neighbouring communities across the border. recurring for various reasons (economic, family or for specific activities). This reflects the close ties between the populations of the regions of Diffa and Zinder with the neighboring communities across the border.

Photo 5 While12 almost Borderall of the security: respondents Communities’ say that integration they were and regularly perception crossing the border before the arrival of Boko Haram,Diffa only and 55% Zinder is still regions regularly crossing the border today, which shows the major impact the terrorist group had and still have on the populations’ lives. That being said, more than half of the persons interviewed are still crossing the border today, despite the risks. Thus, even in times of high instability, cross-border mobility still plays an important role in the life of the communities, and it still affects the main trade exchanges.

While almost all of the respondents say that they were regularly crossing the border before the arrival of Boko Haram, only 55 per cent is still regularly crossing the border today, which shows the major impact the terrorist group had and still have on the populations’ lives. That being said, more than half of the persons interviewed are still crossing the border today, despite the risks. Thus, even in times of high instability, cross-border mobility still plays an important role in the life of the communities, and it still affects the main trade exchanges.

BORDERBorder CROSSING crossing 1.35%

44.2%

98.5%

55.3%

InIN the THE past PAST NOWADAYSNowadays

Yes No

2.3. Reasons for crossing the border

The reasons explaining the border-crossing by the border populations are mainly familial, trade and economic reasons. In addition, a large part of the populations in the area regularly travels and cross the border to work in the agricultural, fishing or transport sectors. The pastoralism, particularly among nomads (Peulh), also explains a number of cross-border movements.

Results from the questionnaire showBorder that people security: in Communities’ the area mainly integration cross andthe perceptionborder for familial reasons (43% before the arrival of Boko Haram and 38% during theDiffa research and Zinder period). regions This shows 13the existing family relationship for the populations on each side of the border.

Then follow trade and economic reasons, which remained stable over time and affects respectively 27% and 26% of the respondents. Indeed, for many generations, regional trades have been following a North-South axis between Niger and Nigeria. Cereals, fuel, clothing and manufactured products from Nigeria are sold in Niger, while Nigerians buy livestock, dairy and red peppers. Many Nigeriens also spend a few months per year working in Nigeria, where salaries are higher.

Photo 6

A relatively small part of respondents reported traveling to engage in income-generating activities such as agricultural, livestock, fishing and transportation jobs (respectively around 1%, 0.3% and 0.2%). It is noteworthy that they often need to cross the border frequently to engage in these activities and that these movements are short-term travels.

We also noticed a recent change with a significant number of movements justified by security reasons, in particular because of the Boko Haram attacks. Thus, border-crossing for security reasons is not mentioned often at first, but becomes more important during the time of investigation (4% of the reasons against almost 0% in the past). The persons who explained they crossed the border to flee insecurity were either Nigeriens who used to live in Nigeria, or Nigerians who fled their country, in both cases to escape from violence.

2.3. Reasons for crossing the border

Results from the questionnaire show that people in the area mainly cross the border for familial reasons (43% before the arrival of Boko Haram and 38% during the research period). This shows the existing family relationship for the populations on each side of the border.

Then follow trade and economic reasons, which remained stable over time and affects respectively 27 per cent and 26 per cent of the respondents. Indeed, for many generations, regional trades have been following a North-South axis between Niger and Nigeria. Cereals, fuel, clothing and manufactured products from Nigeria are sold in Niger, while Nigerians buy livestock, dairy and red peppers. Many Nigeriens also spend a few months per year working in Nigeria, where salaries are higher.

A relatively small part of respondents reported travelling to engage in income-generating activities such as agricultural, livestock, fishing and transportation jobs (respectively around 1%, 0.3% and 0.2%). It is noteworthy that they often need to cross the border frequently to engage in these activities and that these movements are short-term travels.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 14 Diffa and Zinder regions

50% 43.2% 38.5% 40% 28.2% 30% 27.2% 26.3% 25.7%

20%

10% 1.8% 4.0% 1.1% 0.0% 0.9% 1.0% 0% Family Business Economic Agricultural Insecurity Others activities

Reasons for crossing the border at the time of the study Reasons for crossing the border in the past

2.4. Border-crossing frequency

Populations2.4. are crossingBorder the ‐bordercrossing frequently. Frequency Most of the respondents who reported crossing the border, do so every day or at least once a week. Border-crossing areas are thus frequently used because of the various reasons given by the populations. Because of limited number of official border crossing and the totalPopulations lack of border are crossing control, the most border crossing frequently. trips are Mo carriedst of the out respondents through unofficial who reported crossing crossing points, the and thereforeborder, not do monitoredso every day by the or authorities.at least once This a weekpractice. Border-crossing does not necessarily areas areimply thus an frequently unlawful purpose:used it isbecause simply ofthe the most various convenient reasons option given by for the local populatio populations.ns. Because For instance,of limited a number breeder of hasofficial no interest border in travellingcrossing several and the kilometres total lack with of hisbord herder control, on lands most without crossing pastures, trips only are tocarried reach out an officialthrough unofficialborder post. A previouscrossing studypoints, conducted and therefore by the not IOM monitored estimated by there the authorities.were 36 unofficial This practice border does crossing not necessarily in the Maine- Soroaimply region an unlawful and 30 in purpose: the Diffa it isregion. simply5 the most convenient option for local populations. For instance, a breeder has no interest in traveling several kilometers with his herd on lands without pastures, only to reach an official border post. A previous study conducted by the IOM estimated there were 36 unofficial border crossing in the Maine-Soroa region and 30 in the Diffa region5.

Photo 7

5 Study on Niger-Nigeria and Niger-Chat border flows in the Diffa region (In French: Etude des flux sur les frontières Niger-Nigéria et Niger-Tchad dans la région de Diffa), IOM, 2016. Available in French here.

5 Study on Niger-Nigeria and Niger-Chat border flows in the Diffa region24 In ( French: Etude des flux sur les frontières Niger-Nigéria et Niger- Tchad dans la région de Diffa), IOM, 2016. Available in French https://publications.iom.int/fr/books/projet-de-renforcement-de-la-securite- aux-frontieres-dans-la-region-de-diffa-sedini

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 15

Border-crossing Frequency Once a year 4.2% Once a month 17.3% Other 1.9% Border-crossingBorder-crossingOnce a week Frequency frequency Several times 27.2% Once a year a day 5.4% 4.2% Once a month Every day 17.3% 15.1%Other 2 to 3 times 1.9% Once a week a week 27.2% 29.0% Several times a day 5.4% Every day 15.1% 2 to 3 times 2.5. Knowledge of thea week defense and security forces (FDS) present at the border29.0%

The vast majority of respondents reported knowing the defense and security forces present at the 2.5. border.2.5.Knowledge RespondentsKnowledge identifiedof ofthe the defensemuch Defense more andthe gendarmesand security Security (26.4% forces ofForces responses (FDS) (FDS) when respondents presentsaid theypresent knewat the the borderFDS at6 ),the the militaryborder (19.3% of the answers), the customs (18.6 of the answers), the members of the National Guard (15.8% of the answers) and the Police of Niger (13.2% of the answers). The vast majority of respondents reported knowing the defense and security forces present at the border. TheRespondents prevalence identified of the gendarmerie much more andthe gendarmesthe army in(26.4% the answers of responses can largely when respondents be explained said by they the knewstrong The vast militarizationmajoritythe FDS6 ),of the respondents ofmilitary the border(19.3% reported ofarea the knowing asanswers), a result the the of defensecustoms the emergence and(18.6 security of the of answers), forcesBoko presentHaram. the members atApart the of from the its border. RespondentsinterventionNational Guard identifiedgroup, (15.8% the much ofpolice the moreanswers) do not the haveand gendarmes the heavy Police weapons (26.4%of Niger of(13.2%and responses are of notthe the answers).when first respondents unit The deployedprevalence in of the said they mostknewthe gendarmerie dangerous the FDS6), areas.theand militarythe It army is not (19.3% in part the answers ofof thethe police’sanswers), can largely mission the be explainedcustoms to patrol (18.6by along the of strong thethe answers), borders.militarization However, the of the the membersmilitary ofborder the National areaand asgendarmes a Guard result of(15.8% the are emergence ofbetter the answers) equipped of Boko and Haram. and the leadApartPolice manyfrom of Niger its patrols intervention (13.2% along of the group,the answers). border the police and do are not have heavy weapons and are not the first unit deployed in the most dangerous areas. It is not part of The prevalenceconsequentlythe police’s of the mission gendarmerie more tovisible patrol and than along the other the army borders. forces. in the However, answers the can military largely and be gendarmesexplained byare the better strong equipped militarizationand oflead the many border patrols area along as the a borderresult and of arethe consequently emergence moreof Boko visible Haram. than other Apart forces. from its intervention group, the police doWhich not have Defence heavy and weapons Security and Forcesare not present the first atunit the deployed in the most dangerous areas.Which It is Defencenot part ofand the Security police’sborder, Forcesmission do present youto patrol know at along the ? border, the borders. do you However, know? the military and gendarmes are better equipped and lead many patrols along the border and are consequently more visible than other forces. Gendarmerie 26.4%

WhichArmy Defence and Security Forces present at the19.3% border, do you know ? Customs 18.6%

Gendarmerie 26.4% National Guards 15.8%

Army 19.3% Police 13.2%

Customs 18.6% Others 6.7% National Guards 15.8%

Police 13.2%

6 In French, OthersForces de Défense et de Sécurité6.7%

25 6 In French, Forces de Défense et de Sécurité.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 6 In French, Forces16 de DéfenseDiffa and et de Zinder Sécurité regions 25

3. Security risks at the border

There are many security risks along the studied borders. There are numerous criminal activities such as trafficking of various kinds (trafficking in arms, drugs, persons, etc.), violent attacks and most importantly terrorist activities. Border areas of Niger, especially those in the Diffa region, are exposed to the threat of the Boko Haram group. The instability in the region also favored banditry, particularly robberies committed by the “coupeurs de route” (road bandits). This part of the study provides an overview of the perception the border communities have of security risks, security measures undertaken by the authorities and their opinionIII on. theseSECURITY security actions RISKS for the AT border. THE BORDER

There are many security risks along the studied borders. There are numerous criminal activities such as trafficking of various kinds (trafficking in arms, drugs, persons etc.), violent attacks and most importantly terrorist activities. Border areas of Niger, especially those in the Diffa region, are exposed to the threat of the Boko Haram group. The instability in the region also favored banditry, particularly robberies committed by the “coupeurs de route” (road bandits). This part of the study provides an overview of the perception the border communities have of security risks, security measures undertaken by the authorities and their opinion on these security actions for the border.

Photo 8

3.1. Knowledge of crossings of border‐crossing points for criminal activities 3.1. Knowledge of crossings of border-crossing points for

A significantcriminal part of activitiesthe surveyed persons estimated that informal border-crossing points are used for A criminalsignificant activities. part of Thus the 41%surveyed of respondents persons estimated reported thethat existence informal ofborder-crossing these activities points at the are border- used for criminalcrossing activities. areas level. Thus The 41phenomenon per cent of respondents is thus not fullreportedy clandestine; the existence the inhabitants of these activities know it exists at the and border- crossinghave specific areas level.information The phenomenon on its procedures is thus andnot fullythe mostclandestine; affected theareas. inhabitants know it exists and have specific information on its procedures and the most affected areas. Knowledge of the crossings of border-crossing points for Knowledge of the crossings ofcriminal border-crossing activities points for criminal activities

Don't know 16.3% Yes 44.1%

No 39.5%

3.2. Security problemsBorder encountered security: Communities’ at the integration border and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 17

Among the surveyed people, 42% reported having border security problems in their village or hamlet. 3.2.Violent Security attacks are the problems most reported encountered type of security problem, at theas they border represent 32% of the answers given by the respondents. In addition to conventional crime, this term can cover Boko Haram extortion, Amongwho asks the for surveyed tax from people,farmers 42and per traders cent whenever reported havingthey can. border In recent security years, problems members in of their the terrorist village or hamlet.group also Violent increased attacks the are number the most of raids reported on herds type in of the security region, problem, for their foodas they supply, represent but also 32 toper resell cent of thethe answers loot and given fund by their the activity.respondents. The Peulh In addition and Boudouma to conventional breeders crime, who werethis term grazing can theircover flocks Boko onHaram extortion,the shores whoof Lake asks Chad for tax were from particularly farmers and affected. traders whenever they can. In recent years, members of the terrorist group also increased the number of raids on herds in the region, for their food supply, but also to resellAnother the lootsecurity and concernsfund their raised activity. by respondentsThe Peulh and in cludeBoudouma incursions breeders by armed who wereor terrorist grazing groupstheir flocks and on thedrugs, shores weapons of Lake or Chad other were kinds particularly of trafficking affected. (29% fo r each of these answers). Despite the progress of the Multinational Joint Task Force (Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Benin), Boko Haram incursions Anotherfrom Nigeria security or from concerns the islands raised in by Lake respondents Chad, have include not been incursions stopped yet. by armedThese operations or terrorist are groups usually and drugs, weapons or other kinds of trafficking (29% for each of these answers). Despite the progress of the minimal and aiming at various goals. Many of these operations are supply missions by shops, Multinational Joint Task Force (Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Benin), Boko Haram incursions from warehouses or health centers looting7. But Boko Haram continues to launch targeted attacks against Nigeria or from the islands in Lake Chad, have not been stopped yet. These operations are usually minimal andthe aiming defense at variousand security goals. forces Many orof thesecivilians operations suspecte dare of supplyproviding missions information by shops, to thewarehouses authorities. or health In centresrare cases, looting. Boko7 But Haram Boko carried Haram out continues heavier attack to launchs, such targeted as the assault attacks on againstGueskérou the ondefense 9 May and2017— security forceswhich or nevertheless civilians suspected resulted of in providing a defeat informationfor the assailants to the8. authorities. In rare cases, Boko Haram carried out heavier attacks, such as the assault on Gueskérou on 9 May 2017—which nevertheless resulted in a defeat for the assailants.8

SecuritySecurity issues issues encountered encountered atat the the border border

Others 8.8%

Armed/terrorist groups raids 29.2%

Criminal assault 32.7%

Trafficking (drug, weapons, etc.) 29.3%

The magnitude of the identified security problems varies depending on the region. Thus, the issue of theThe incursions magnitude of of armed the identified groups or security terrorists problems is more varies prevalent depending in Diffa on thethan region. in Zinder. Thus, Thirty-three the issue of per centthe ofincursions the answers of armed on insecurity groups orin terroristsDiffa regard is more incursions prevalent of armed in Diffa or thanterrorist in Zinder. groups, 33% compared of the to onlyanswers 8 per on cent insecurity in Zinder. in This Diffa is regard mainly incursions due to the of presence armed or of terrorist Boko Haram groups, in thecompared Diffa region, to only especially 8% in alongZinder. the This border is mainly with dueNigeria to the and presence on the riverbank of Boko Haram of the inLake the Chad, Diffa region,which areespecially the main along areas the where border the group is active. In these areas, populations regularly perceive the consequences of this insecurity. The with Nigeria and on the riverbank of the Chadian Lake, which are the main areas where the group is city of Bosso, for example, was attacked by Boko Haram twice, in February 2015 and June 2016, pushing manyactive. local In theseresidents areas, to populationsflee to the regularlySouth. Some perceive have thereturned consequences to their ofhomes, this insecurity.but the city The has city still of not regained the number of inhabitants it had before the attacks.9 It is noteworthy that most of the villages surrounding7On May 2nd, the 2017, city a have heavily been armed displaced group from more Boko than Haram 40 km crossed away the from dry the riverbed paved of roads the Komadougou- (around Toumour orYobé Tchinkandji), river to raid especially the Tam and after Boudoum the evacuation villages. This of typethe insularof operation villages allows which the starteddifferent in factions May 2015. of Boko Haram to obtain food supply. See the report of the UN Security Council of 2 February 2017: http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2017/97 8 7 http://www.voaafrique.com/a/une-cinquantaineOn May 2nd, 2017, a heavily armed group from Boko Haram-de-combattants-de-boko-haram-tues-au- crossed the dry riverbed of the Komadougou-Yobé river to raid the Tam and niger/3804071.htmlBoudoum villages. This type of operation allows the different factions of Boko Haram to obtain food supply. See the report of the UN Security Council of 2 February 2017: www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2017/97 8 See www.voaafrique.com/a/une-cinquantaine-de-combattants-de-boko-haram-tues-au-niger/3804071.html27 9 See www.liberation.fr/planete/2017/02/08/on-n-avait-pas-d-autre-choix-que-de-s-en-remettre-a-dieu_1547254

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 18 Diffa and Zinder regions

Bosso, for example, was attacked by Boko Haram twice, in February 2015 and June 2016, pushing many local residents to flee to the South. Some have returned to their homes, but the city has still not regained the number of inhabitants it had before the attacks9. It is noteworthy that most of the villages surrounding the city have been displaced more than 40 km away from the paved roads (around Toumour or Tchinkandji), especially after the evacuation of the insular villages which started in May 2015.

Regarding the other types of security problems, the villages from the two regions have been similarly affected. The security issue linked to terrorism is the main difference between the two regions, as border villages from the Zinder region are located outside the area affected by the Boko Haram incursions. Regarding the other types of security problems, the villages from the two regions have been similarly

affected. The security issue linked to terrorism is the main difference between the two regions, as border villages from the Zinder region are located outside the area affected by the Boko Haram incursions. Types of security issues encountered at the Types of security issuesborder encountered at the border

39.4% 36.6% 31.8% 33.9% 27.0%

15.7% 8.3% 7.3%

Trafficking (drug, Criminal assault Incursions by Other weapons, etc)etc.) armed/terrorist groups

Diffa Zinder

3.3. Assessment by the respondents of the security measures taken at the border level

Thirty3.3. per cent ofAssessment the respondents considerby the that respondents the security measures of the taken security at the border measures level are very satisfactory,taken 57 per at cent the fairly border satisfactory level and 13 per cent find that these measures are insufficient. Even though the negative opinions represent a small minority, a majority of respondents finds that the security

measures are “fairly satisfactory”, which can be interpreted as a need for improvement and strengthening of30% the securityof the respondents system. consider that the security measures taken at the border level are very satisfactory, 57% fairly satisfactory and 13% find that these measures are insufficient. Even though the negative opinions representAssessment Assessmenta small minority, of of the the securitya securitymajority measures ofmeasures respondents finds that the security measures are “fairly satisfactory”, which can be interpretedInsufficient as a need for improvement and strengthening of the security system. 12.7%

Quite Very satisfactory 57.1% satisfactory 30.2% 9 http://www.liberation.fr/planete/2017/02/08/on-n-avait-pas-d-autre-choix-que-de-s-en-remettre-a- dieu_1547254

3.4. Risks that may be the result of inadequate management of 3.4.border Risks security that may be the result of inadequate management of Accordingborder to respondents, security the risks most likely to be caused by poor management of border security are banditry, terrorist incursions and illicit trafficking. Thus, 69 per cent of respondents consider that banditry is the direct consequence of the poor border security management. Cattle raids are frequent in the regions Accordingand the surrounding to respondents, chaos the favored risks most the formation likely to be ofcaused groups by of poor “road management robbers”,10 who of border rob travellers security and areshopkeepers banditry, terroristusing weapons incursions as a a threat.nd illicit trafficking. Thus, 69% of respondents consider that banditry is the direct consequence of the poor border security management. Cattle raids are frequent in the 10 The road robbers are armed groups assaulting drivers on the roads. Their activities range from simple theft to hostage-taking, and include rape 10 regionsand murder. and the surrounding chaos favored the formation of groups of “road robbers" , who rob travelers and shopkeepers using weapons as a threat.

In addition, respondents are respectivelyBorder 61% andsecurity: 48.3% Communities’ to name terrorist integration incursions and perception and trafficking Diffa and Zinder regions 19 among consequences of the poor border security management.

Photo 9

Other problems are also reported by the populations, such as the recruitment of young people by terrorist groups (29.6%). Boko Haram mainly recruits among young people, using materialistic (“wages” well above the average income, lending a motorcycle and a telephone, etc.) and ideological arguments. It is difficult to certainly identify the number of Nigerien recruits but at least 145 ex- members11 of the group surrendered to the Nigerien authorities since the end of 201612. Despite the surrender of some BH members, the recruitment of new young people continues in some local areas and especially in the municipality of Mainé-Soroa, in the Tam Village and around.

Finally, epidemics appear to be an important risk resulting from poor border management (23.3%). At the time of writing this study, the Diffa region is facing an outbreak of Hepatitis E13.

10 The road robbers are armed groups assaulting drivers on the roads. Their activities range from simple theft to hostage-taking, and include rape and murder. 11 Since June 1st 2017, the BH ex-members who surrendered are now located in Goudoumaria (200km away from Diffa). An estimated 150 ex-members, including 80 Nigerien nationals and 70 Nigerian nationals, distributed as follow: 109 men, 15 women and 26 children (source: Gouvernorat Diffa). 12According to the Governor of the Diffa Region, on April 17, 2017: https://www.nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/interviews/512-niger-la-victoire-sur-boko-haram-ne-sera-pas-que- militaire 13 http://www.who.int/csr/don/05-may-2017-hepatitis-e-niger/fr/

In addition, respondents are respectively 61 per cent and 48.3 per cent to name terrorist incursions and trafficking among consequences of the poor border security management.

Other problems are also reported by the populations, such as the recruitment of young people by terrorist groups (29.6%). Boko Haram mainly recruits among young people, using materialistic (“wages” well above the average income, lending a motorcycle and a telephone, etc.) and ideological arguments. It is difficult to certainly identify the number of Nigerien recruits but at least 145 ex-members11 of the group surrendered to the Nigerien authorities since the end of 2016.12 Despite the surrender of some BH members, the recruitment of new young people continues in some local areas and especially in the municipality of Mainé-Soroa, in the Tam Village and around.

Finally, epidemics appear to be an important risk resulting from poor border management (23.3%). At the time of writing this study, the Diffa region is facing an outbreak of Hepatitis E.13 Risks arising from border security Risks arising frommismanagement border security mismanagement

Banditry 69.0%

Terrorist incursions 61.9%

Trafficking 48.3%

Recruitement by aremd/terrorist groups 29.6%

Theft 3.6%

Epidemics 23.4%

Note: Multiple answers are possible. Total is not equal to 100 per cent. MULTIPLE ANSWERS ARE POSSIBLE. TOTAL IS NOT EQUAL TO 100%. 11 Since 1 June 2017, the BH ex-members who surrendered are now located in Goudoumaria (200km away from Diffa). An estimated 150 ex- members, including 80 Nigerien nationals and 70 Nigerian nationals, distributed as follow: 109 men, 15 women and 26 children (Source: Gouvernorat Diffa). 12 According to the Governor of the Diffa Region, on 17 April 2017: www.nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/interviews/512-niger-la-victoire-sur- boko-haram-ne-sera-pas-que-militaireIV. PERCEPTIONS OF THE COMMUNITIES ON TERRORISM 13 See www.who.int/csr/don/05-may-2017-hepatitis-e-niger/en/

RespondentsBorder are security: mainly located Communities’ in areas integration where there and perceptionare frequent incursions by terrorist groups. The terrorism20 Diffathreat and affects Zinder first regions and foremost the border villages of the Diffa region. Perceptions of the local communities on terrorism are described in this part of the study, which focused on the types of terrorist activities happening in the area, the causes of terrorism, the evolution of the terrorism threat and the proposed solutions to prevent this threat.

4.1. Types of terrorist activities known by the respondents

Attacks on civilians, demolition of houses and murders, are the terrorist activities the respondents mention the most. 80.4% of respondents identify the attacks on civilians as a terrorist activity. This ratio is respectively 66.5 and 63.8 for the demolition of houses and murders. Other terrorist activities are also identified such as abduction and intimidation.

The attacks on civilians cover bombings, almost always suicide-bombings14, stabbing or light weapon attacks, sometimes associated with looting or cattle theft. Even though there were fewer cases since summer 2016, civilian massacres have nevertheless forced tens of thousands of people to flee to areas

14 https://afrique-tv.info/niger-deux-morts-attentat-suicide-sud/

4. Perceptions of the communities on terrorism

Respondents are mainly located in areas where there are frequent incursions by terrorist groups. The terrorism threat affects first and foremost the border villages of the Diffa region. Perceptions of the local communities on terrorism are described in this part of the study, which focused on the types of terrorist activities happening in the area, the causes of terrorism, the evolution of the terrorism threat and the proposed solutions to prevent this threat.

4.1. Types of terrorist activities known by the respondents

Attacks on civilians, demolition of houses and murders, are the terrorist activities the respondents mention the most. 80.4 per cent of respondents identify the attacks on civilians as a terrorist activity. This ratio is respectively 66.5 and 63.8 for the demolition of houses and murders. Other terrorist activities are also identified such as abduction and intimidation.

The attacks on civilians cover bombings, almost always suicide-bombings,14 stabbing or light weapon attacks, sometimes associated with looting or cattle theft. Even though there were fewer casessince summer 2016, civilian massacres have nevertheless forced tens of thousands of people to flee to areas protected by the Nigerien forces, especially along the national road n° 1, connecting Diffa to Niamey. In two years, nearly 300 civilians were killed by Boko Haram in the Diffa region.15

Murders often target people suspected by Boko Haram to provide information to the authorities or to play a double game to dissuade young people of joining the armed group. Murders also happen during robberies and looting.

The two rival factions, Shekau and Al-Barnawi, have some significant differences, at least from the doctrinal point of view. The faction led by Shekau is known for being the most violent against civilians, including Muslims, while the faction led by Al-Barnawi prides itself on sparing Muslim civilians who are not opposed to him.16

Abductions, in addition to those committed for purposes of intimidation and revenge, can be committed in at least two types of recurring situations in the region. First of all, recruitment under coercion or threat can be assimilated to abductions. Many underage people were enrolled this way, or because they were lured by the gains promised by the recruiting officers of the armed group. In addition, it has been reported that members of Boko Haram are taking their wives and children with them to Nigeria to keep them close to them, sometimes against their will.

14 See https://afrique-tv.info/niger-deux-morts-attentat-suicide-sud/ 15 See www.jeuneafrique.com/417539/politique/niger-291-civils-tues-deux-ans-region-de-diffa-jihadistes-de-boko-haram/ 16 See www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/08/jihadists-argue-over-leadership-of-islamic-states-west-africa-province.php

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 21

protected by the Nigerien forces, especially along the national road n ° 1, connecting Diffa to Niamey. In two years, nearly 300 civilians were killed by Boko Haram in the Diffa region15.

WhichWhich types types of of terrorist terrorist activitiesactivities do doyou you know? know?

General attacks on civilians 80.4%

Demolition of houses 66.5%

Murders 63.8%

Abductions 37.3%

Intimidation 20.3%

Does not know 4.3%

Note: Multiple answersMULTIPLE are ANSWERS possible. ARE Total POSSIBLE is not. T OTALequal IS toNOT 100 EQUAL per TOcent. 100%.

4.2. Factors favoring support for terrorism 4.2. Factors favoring support for terrorism ProminentProminent factorfactor leading to to terrorism terrorism

Ignorance and illiteracy 1.2%

Anger and frustration 11.3%

Opposition to the authorities 7.2% 15 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/417539/politique/niger-291-civils-tues-deux-ans-region-de-diffa-jihadistes- de-boko-haram/Adherence to an ideology 22.6% 16 http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/08/jihadists-argue-over-leadership-of-islamic-states-west- africa-province.php Lack of occupation 29.0% 31 Poverty 28.7%

For both Zinder and Diffa regions, poverty and the lack of occupation are the main reasons that drive peopleFor both to terrorism: Zinder and these Diffa two regions, reasons poverty are each and mentionedthe lack of occupation in almost 29 are per the cent main of thereasons answers that givendrive by the respondents. Other given reasons are adherence to an ideology (22% of answers), anger and frustration people to terrorism: these two reasons are each mentioned in almost 29% of the answers given by the (11% of answers) and opposition to the authorities (7.2%). respondents. Other given reasons are adherence to an ideology (22% of answers), anger and Asfrustration the most (11%populated of answers) municipalities, and opposition Bosso, to Diffa,the authorities Mainé-Soroa (7.2%). and N’Guigmi were analysed in more details,As the thusmost allowing populated the municipalities, study to show Bosso, the similarities Diffa, Mainé-Soroa but also and the N’Guigmi differences were between analyzed the in moredifferent sections of the border. details, thus allowing the study to show the similarities but also the differences between the different sections of the border.

Factors leading to terrorism by municipalities 100%

80%

60%

Border40% security: Communities’ integration and perception 22 Diffa and Zinder regions 20%

0% Poverty Lack of Adherence to Opposition to Anger and Others occupation the ideology the frustration authorities

Bosso Diffa Maine Soroa N'Guigmi

MULTIPLE ANSWERS ARE POSSIBLE. TOTAL IS NOT EQUAL TO 100%.

The various reasons that can lead the populations to terrorism are mentioned to a greater or lesser extent depending on the municipality. Thus, the lack of occupation is the reason mentioned the most

Prominent factor leading to terrorism

Ignorance and illiteracy 1.2%

Anger and frustration 11.3%

Opposition to the authorities 7.2%

Adherence to an ideology 22.6%

Lack of occupation 29.0%

Poverty 28.7%

For both Zinder and Diffa regions, poverty and the lack of occupation are the main reasons that drive people to terrorism: these two reasons are each mentioned in almost 29% of the answers given by the respondents. Other given reasons are adherence to an ideology (22% of answers), anger and frustration (11% of answers) and opposition to the authorities (7.2%).

As the most populated municipalities, Bosso, Diffa, Mainé-Soroa and N’Guigmi were analyzed in more details, thus allowing the study to show the similarities but also the differences between the different sections of the border.

FactorsFactors leading leading toto terrorism by by municipalities municipalities 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0% Poverty Lack of Adherence to Opposition to Anger and Others occupation the ideology the frustration authorities

Bosso Diffa Maine Soroa N'Guigmi

Note: Multiple answers are possible. Total is not equal to 100 per cent. MULTIPLE ANSWERS ARE POSSIBLE. TOTAL IS NOT EQUAL TO 100%.

The various reasons that can lead the populations to terrorism are mentioned to a greater or lesser extent dependingThe various on reasonsthe municipality. that can leadThus, the the populations lack of occupation to terrorism is theare reasonmentioned mentioned to a greater the or most lesser in the fourextent municipalities. depending onThe the reason municipality. linked to Thus, poverty the lackis mostlyof occupation mentioned is the in re N’Guigmiason mentioned and Diffa, the mostwhile the adherence to an ideology is mostly mentioned in Bosso and N’Guigmi.

The strong differences between municipalities prevent us from drawing general conclusions from these 32 results, apart from the fact that the opposition to the authorities does not seem to be the most important factor. This is an interesting lesson because it seems to indicate that, for the respondent populations, terrorism is developing less as a reaction to injustice from the authorities (answer given by 15% of the respondents in all municipalities) than because of an overall difficult situation—poverty and lackof occupation (63% of respondents).

The study also shows that, in all municipalities, almost 50 per cent of the respondents identified the adhesion to an ideology as a pulling factor leading to terrorism. For a substantial part of the population, joining Boko Haram is a consequence, exclusively or correlatively to other factors such as poverty, of an intellectual and/or religion radicalization process.

The spread of propaganda material on social networks, messaging applications, and audio recordings on memory cards, as well as the violent sermons of itinerant preachers had indeed been identified in the region even before the attacks of Boko Haram in Niger17 and continues to be observed today.18 Without being as sophisticated as the communication of the Islamic State, this media content contributed to supporting and exploiting a fertile ground for the recruitment of new fighters within the youth.19

17 See www.usip.org/sites/default/files/SR348-Why_do_Youth_Join_Boko_Haram.pdf 18 See www.mercycorps.org/sites/default/files/Motivations%20and%20Empty%20Promises_Mercy%20Corps_Full%20Report.pdf 19 Ibid.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 23 4.3. Respondents perception regarding the protection of their community against terrorism

Despite the ever-present threat in the border areas, the majority of respondents estimated that their communities were safe Dofrom you terrorism think your(53.5% community of the respondents). is safe from terrorism? Do you think your community is safe from terrorism? Does not know 9.3%

No Yes 37.2% 53.5%

In the Diffa region, populations seemed more optimistic with 55 per cent of respondents estimating being safe from terrorism, for 48 per cent in Zinder. And yet, Zinder has not been attacked by Boko Haram, unlike In the Diffa region, populations seemed more optimistic with 55% of respondents estimating being the Diffa region. In this specific case, we observe a disconnection between the geographical proximity safe from terrorism, for 48% in Zinder. And yet, Zinder has not been attacked by Boko Haram, unlike of the attacks and the feeling of insecurity among the inhabitants. Part of the explanation lies inthe persistentthe Diffa rumors region. that In this roamed specific the case, East ofwe the observe Zinder a regiondisconnection in recent between years. These the geographical rumors reported proximity cases of infiltrationof the attacks of and armed the groupfeeling fightersof insecurity and amongthe preparation the inhabitants. of attacks, Part of however, the explanation this threat lies never in the turned intopersistent real attacks. rumors There that is alsoroamed a relative the East concern of the dueZind toer the region recent in recent military years. operations These rumorsagainst reportedBoko Haram, whichcases could of infiltration lead the group of armed to retreat group to fighters border and areas the other preparation than Diffa, of attacks, and such however, as Zinder. this threat never turned into real attacks. There is also a relative concern due to the recent military operations against 4.4.Boko EvolutionHaram, which could of thelead the terrorism group to retreat threat to border areas other than Diffa, and such as Zinder.

The populations positively appreciate the evolution of the situation regarding the terrorist threat. Indeed, more than 62 per cent of the respondents think that the terrorist threat is reducing and 27 per cent consider the threat4.4. is stable.Evolution In contrast, onlyof the1.6 per terrorism cent of respondents threat consider the terrorism threat to be on theThe rise. populations These results positively reflect theappreciate decline theof Boko evolutio Haram,n of in the Niger situation and in regardingNigeria, since the theterrorist intensification threat. of militaryIndeed, operations,more than 62% particularly of the respondents with the thinkMultinational that the terroristJoint Task threat Force. is reducingThe multiple and 27%cases consider of surrender of membersthe threat of is thestable. group In contributedcontrast, only to 1.6%this perception of respondents of a considerweakening the terrorist terrorism threat: threat since to bethe on end the of 2016,rise. at These least 145results ex-members reflect the of decline the group of Boko surrendered Haram, into Nigerthe Nigerien and in Nigeria,authorities. since20 the intensification of military operations, particularly with the Multinational Joint Task Force. The multiple cases of It issurrender noteworthy of thatmembers the intensity of the ofgroup the terroristcontributed threat to canthis vary perception according of toa weakeningthe time of terroristyear. As threat:a matter of fact,since during the end the of dry 2016, season at least (October–June), 145 ex-members the levelof the of group the river surrendered marking theto th bordere Nigerien in the authorities Diffa region20. is at its lowest, which facilitates the incursions of Boko Haram from Nigeria. The field investigation was conductedIt is noteworthy in February that and the March, intensity i.e. of during the terrorist which the threat terrorist can varythreat according level is the to highest.the time of year. As a matter of fact, during the dry season (October-June), the level of the river marking the border in the Diffa region is at its lowest, which facilitates the incursions of Boko Haram from Nigeria. The field investigation was conducted in February and March, i.e. during which the terrorist threat level is the highest.

20 According to the Governor of the Diffa Region, on 17 April 2017: www.nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/interviews/512-niger-la-victoire-sur- boko-haram-ne-sera-pas-que-militaire

20According to the Governor of the Diffa Region, on April 17, 2017: Border security: Communities’ integration and perception https://www.nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/interviews/512-niger-la-victoire-sur-boko-haram-ne-sera -not-than- 24 Diffa and Zinder regions military

Evolution of the terrorist threat Evolution of the terrorist threat Evolution of the terrorist threat 1.6% 8.5% 1.6% 8.5%

27.2% 27.2% 62.6% 62.6%

Decreasing Stable Increasing None Decreasing Stable Increasing None The municipalities in which inhabitants believe that the terrorist threat is increasing are located in the

Zinder region, near the Diffa region (Bouné).

The municipalities in which inhabitants believe that the terrorist threat is increasing are located in the Respondents from Bouné (Zinder) think that the terrorist threat is increasing. Yet, this area has never been ZinderThe municipalities region, near in the which Diffa inhabitants region (Bouné). believe that the terrorist threat is increasing are located in the targeted by Boko Haram attacks. But the fact that it is relatively close to the area of Boko Haram operations Zinder region, near the Diffa region (Bouné). is,Respondents however, likely from to fuelBouné the (Zinder) populations think fear.that theMoreover, terrori stshortly threat before is increasing. the study Yet, rumors this area were has circulating never in Respondentsbeenthe area targeted regarding from by Boko allegedBouné Haram (Zinder)presence attacks. think of BokoBut that the Haram the fact terrori thatsympathizers. stit isthreat relatively is This increasing. closehighlights to theYet, the area this difference ofarea Boko has Haram betweennever theoperationsbeen existence targeted is,of however, anby actualBoko Haram threatlikely to attacks.in fuel an area the But populatioand the the fact perceptionns that fear. it is Moreover, relatively of danger closeshortly among to before thethe areapopulation. the of study Boko rumors Haram operationswere circulating is, however, in the area likely regarding to fuel the alleged populatio presnsence fear. of Moreover, Boko Haram shortly sympathizers. before the This study highlights rumors thewere difference circulating between in the areathe existence regarding of alleged an actual pres threatence in of an Boko area Haram and the sympathizers. perception of Thisdanger highlights among the differencepopulation. between the existence of an actual threat in an area and the perception of danger among the population. Photo 10 Photo 10 These facts were also observed in some localities of Diffa. For the villages severely affected by Theseterrorism facts in thewere past also (Bosso, observed Diffa, in Chetimari), some localities people of ofte Diffa.n feel For that the the villages situation severely is improving affected more by terrorismand more, in or the they past sometimes (Bosso, Diffa, think Chetimari),it remains stable. people often feel that the situation is improving more and more, or they sometimes think it remains stable. For the four municipalities, respondents consider that the terrorist threat is, on the whole, decreasing. ForIn Diffa the fourand municipalities,Mainé-Soroa, arespondents relatively large consider part thatof the the respondents terrorist threat considers is, on the the whole, terrorist decreasing. threat is Inremaining Diffa and stable Mainé-Soroa, (respectively a relatively 27% and large 20%). part of the respondents considers the terrorist threat is remaining stable (respectively 27% and 20%).

MAP 2: EVOLUTION OF THE TERRORIST THREAT ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS BY MUNICIPALITIES MAP 2: EVOLUTION OF THE TERRORIST THREAT ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS BY MUNICIPALITIES

35 35

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 25 These facts were also observed in some localities of Diffa. For the villages severely affected by terrorism in the past (Bosso, Diffa, Chetimari),Declining people Stable often feel Increasingthat the situation None is improving more and more, or they sometimesBosso think it remains stable.98.3% 0.7% 0.0% 1.0% Diffa 72.0% 26.8% 0.5% 0.7% For the fourMaine municipalities, Soroa respondents76.7% consider 19.8% that the terrorist 1.6% threat is, 1.8% on the whole, decreasing. In Diffa and N'GuigmiMainé-Soroa, a relatively100.0% large part of 0.0% the respondents 0.0% considers 0.0%the terrorist threat is remaining stable (respectively 27% and 20%).

EvolutionEvolution of ofterrorist terrorist threatthreat byby commune 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Declining Stable Increasing None

Bosso Diffa Maine Soroa N'Guigmi

Map 2: Evolution of the terrorist threat according to respondents by municipalities

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 26 Diffa and Zinder regions

4.5. Proposal for measures to be taken by local communities to prevent the terrorist threat What can local communities do to prevent Among the terrorist threat prevention measures that can be taken by the communities, nearly three quarters of respondents chose the involvement of communityterrorism? leaders (heads of villages, imams, etc.) and raising awareness of young people. Respondents also mentioned the creation of community prevention committees (35.6%) and job creation for young people (2%).

What can local76.8% communities do to prevent 72.6% What can local communitiesterrorism? do to prevent terrorism?

35.6% 76.8% 72.6% 2.2%

Raising awareness Involve Create community Provide among young community 35.6%prevention employement for people leaders (village committes young people chiefs, imams, 2.2% etc.) Raising awareness Involve Create community Provide among young community prevention employement for peopleMULTIPLE ANSWERSleaders ARE (village POSSIBLE. TOTALcommittes IS NOT EQUALyoung TO 100% people chiefs, imams, etc.)

To prevent the terrorist Note :threat, Multiple in answers the four are municipossible.palities, Total is notthe equal two to measures 100 per cent. mentioned the most are raising awareness for M ULTIPLEyoung ANSWERS people ARE and POSSIBLE creating. TOTAL co mmunityIS NOT EQUAL prevention TO 100% committees. There is also a significantTo prevent part the of terrorist the respondents threat, in the fourin Bosso municipalities, who suggested the two themeasures involvement mentioned of communitythe most are leadersraising (villageawareness chiefs, for imams, young etc.)people to andfind creating solutions. community prevention committees. There is also a significant To preventpart the of terroristthe respondents threat, in Bossothe four who munici suggestedpalities, the theinvolvement two measures of community mentioned leaders the (village most arechiefs, raising awarenessimams, etc.) for to young find solutions. people and creating community prevention committees. There is also a significant part of the respondents in Bosso who suggested the involvement of community leaders (village chiefs, imams, etc.) toWhat find solutions.canWhat local can local communities communities do doto preventto prevent terrorism? terrorism?

100% 97.8% 92.9% 81.4% 83.9% 75.3% What69.2% can local communities65.2% do to prevent terrorism?

45.9% 100% 97.8% 92.9% 83.9% 81.4% 20% 75.3% 14.8% 69.2% 65.2% 0.4% 45.9% Bosso Diffa Mainé Soroa N'Guigmi 20% Raising awareness among young14.8% people 0.4% Involve community leaders (village chiefs, imams, etc.) Bosso CreateDiffa community preventionMainé Soroa committees N'Guigmi

Raising awareness among young people Note: MultipleMULTIPLE answers ANSWERS are possible. ARE POSSIBLE Total is. TnotOTAL equal IS NOT to EQUAL100 per TO cent. 100% Involve community leaders (village chiefs, imams, etc.) Create community prevention committees

Regarding the actions to be taken by the local community to help the authorities in fighting against MULTIPLE ANSWERS ARE POSSIBLE. TOTAL IS NOT EQUAL TO 100% terrorism, respondents mostly suggestedBorder reporting security: Communities’to the authorities integration (97% and perceptionof respondents). This means that communities do not claim to be able to fight against terrorismDiffa and Zinder by themselves, regions but27 rely on the intervention of the authorities. Regarding the actions to be taken by the local community to help the authorities in fighting against terrorism, respondents mostly suggested reporting to the authorities (97% of respondents). This means that communities do not claim to be able to fight37 against terrorism by themselves, but rely on the intervention of the authorities.

Regarding the actions to be taken by the local community to help the authorities in fighting against terrorism, respondents mostly suggested reporting to the authorities (97% of respondents). This means that communities do not claim to be able to fight against terrorism by themselves, but relyonthe intervention of the authorities.

These results confirm the relevance of the community prevention committees involving traditional community leaders, but also representatives of youth and women’s groups. The project within which this study was organized planned to create such committees in some of the villages close to the border with Nigeria and Chad. These structures, based on the existing customary hierarchy insofar as they will be chaired by village chiefs, will aim to centralize security and humanitarian information and transmit it to the authorities. Prevention committees are also part of the overall logic of the project, which is for the communities to become key stakeholders in border security management.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 28 Diffa and Zinder regions 5. Effectiveness of border management

In general, the populations interviewed seem to have a rather positive outlook of the stakeholders in charge of border management, while highlighting the potential areas of improvement.

5.1. What is “security” according to the respondents This open question gave the opportunity to the respondents to define what would be, according to them, securing the borders. Researchers received a range of different answers.

For nearly 26 per cent of respondents, border security means a good monitoring of border-crossings, which must, however, allow access to persons authorized to do so. For 21 per cent of respondents, it means to secure the populations and their goods at the border. For others, border security means to protect and defend the country (13%), ensure peace and security at the border (10%) or ensure order and stability (11%). Lastly, some respondents have directly linked border security to the presence of defense and security forces and the reinforcement of patrols, the necessary conditions for stability at the border.

WhatWhat does does ensuring ensuring security security at theat the border border level level mean? mean?

2.9% Good monitoring of boborderrder-crossings, crossings, while 3.1% 5.0% allowing authorised person to do so Securesecure the populations and their goods

5.3% 26.7% Protect and defend the country

Ensure peace and security at the border 7.8% Ensure order and stability

Presence of defence and security forces 9.2%

Reinforcement of patrols

20.5% Body search at the border 9.6%

Does not know 9.9% Others

5.2. Patrols and security level in the area Respondents5.2. gavePatrols their opinionand security on the perception level in ofthe the areasecurity level in their local area. Thirty-nine per cent of respondents consider the security level satisfactory, 36 per cent find it good and 21 per cent think the security level is still insufficient. Nearly 4 per cent of respondents think there is no security at all Respondentsin their local gavearea. their opinion on the perception of the security level in their local area. 39% of respondents consider the security level satisfactory, 36% find it good and 21% think the security level is still insufficient. Nearly 4% of respondents think there is no security at all in their local area.

SECURITY LEVEL ASSESSMENT IN BORDER AREAS

Number Percentage Good Border security: Communities’2,615 integration 38.90% and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 29 Average 2,413 35.90% Insufficient 1,441 21.44% No security at all 253 3.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

The security level is globally apparent in areas where patrols are visible. Indeed, in areas with regular patrolling, 50% of respondents think the security level is satisfactory and 33% think it is average, while in the areas without patrolling, only 9% of respondents consider the security level is noticeable. In addition, in areas without patrols, 34% of respondents feel the security level is insufficient or think there is no security at all. These proportions are only 17% and 0.4% in patrol areas. The presence or absence of patrols therefore appears to be directly linked to the population’s perception of security or

Security level assessment in border areas

Number Percentage Good 2,615 38.90% Average 2,413 35.90% Insufficient 1,441 21.44% No security at all 253 3.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

The security level is globally apparent in areas where patrols are visible. Indeed, in areas with regular patrolling, 50 per cent of respondents think the security level is satisfactory and 33 per cent think it is average, while in the areas without patrolling, only 9 per cent of respondents consider the security level is noticeable. In addition, in areas without patrols, 34 per cent of respondents feel the security level is insufficient or think there is no security at all. These proportions are only 17 per cent and 0.4 per cent in patrolinsecurity. areas. The presencepermanent or physicalabsence presenceof patrols oftherefore the defense appears and to security be directly forces linked is not to thepossible population’s along perceptionthe border, of but security regular or patrolling insecurity. can The help permanent reassure thephysical population presence and of raise the thedefense security and level.security forces is not possible along the border, but regular patrolling can help reassure the population and raise the security level.

WhatWh aist ithes th esecurity security level level inin tthehe aarearea a accordingccording to to yo you?u?

49.7% 44.1%

33.0% 34.0%

16.9% 12.9% 8.9%

0.4%

Good Average Insufficient No security at all

Patrols No Patrols

Note: MultipleMULTIPLE answers ANSWERS are possible. ARE POSSIBLE Total. TisOTAL not ISequal NOT EQUAL to 100 TO per 100%. cent.

5.2.5.2. AssessmentAssessment of of security security levels levels in the in thearea area and inand villages in villages experiencingexperiencing security security problems. problems

Villages facing the most serious security problems are located in the Diffa region. They are mainly located inVillages the lake facing area, severelythe most affected serious securityby the Boko problems Haram areraids. located in the Diffa region. They are mainly located in the lake area, severely affected by the Boko Haram raids.

MAP 3: ASSESSMENT OF THE SECURITY LEVEL IN THE AREA AND VILLAGES EXPERIENCING SECURITY PROBLEMS

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 30 Diffa and Zinder regions

Map 3: Assessment of the security level in the area and villages experiencing security problems

5.3. Local representatives responsible for border security management, according to the respondents

The local representatives seen as responsible for border security management are primarily the closest and most familiar stakeholders to the populations. The chiefs of villages and customary chiefs (29% of respondents), mayors (11%), and defense and security forces (50% of answers) were the most cited as the persons in charge. Among the latter, the gendarmes (15%), the military (14%), the customs officers (11%) and the police officers (10%) were named. Respondents also mentioned in smaller ratio the prefects (5%) and governors (5%) as local representatives in charge of border security management.

WhoWho is is responsible responsible forfor security at at the the border? border?

Chief of village 15.8%

Gendarmerie 14.9%

The military 14.4%

Traditionnal chiefs 12.8%

Mayor 10.9%

Customs 10.9%

Police 9.7%

Prefect 5.2%

Governor 5.2%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception The presence of the gendarmerie and army in the second and thirdDiffa positions and Zinder of the regions representatives31 responsible for border security can also be explained by the strong militarization of the border in the Diffa region.

It is important to emphasize that the village chief is mentioned first among border security officials, well before the governor, the prefect and, to a lesser extent, the mayor. This prevalence of village chiefs and the importance given to other customary chiefs demonstrates the importance of community relays for the population, including in terms of security—an area which should be subject to the competence of the State services.

In Niger, there is a parallel customary chieftaincy, complementary to the administrative hierarchy. Sultans are at the top of the customary hierarchy, followed by the chiefs of cantons or chiefs of groups for the nomadic populations, then the sector chiefs and finally village or neighborhood chiefs in cities. From the regional to the local level, the chieftainship thus ensures a closely-knit network for the entire territory of Niger.

Photo 12

Traditional leaders enjoy an authority recognized by the State and the populations to arbitrate some of the disputes, regarding for example land or family relations. On the other hand, they are not competent for “blood crimes” or breach of law, cases for which the judicial authority decides. They are taken into account by the State, in particular by the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, Decentralization and Traditional and Religious Affairs. The public treasury is giving them a wage.

Unlike governors, prefects and mayors, who are removable and thus re-elected depending on political or electoral factors, customary chiefs enjoy a life-time position, which ensures a certain stability of the chieftainship. In this sense, they are key partners in ensuring the sustainability of the structures set up at the local level, such as community prevention committees.

Moreover, customary chiefs are not representatives of the Nigerien State and are not, therefore, subject to some of the rules that apply to civil servants. Customs thus forbid the governors and prefects to maintain formal relations with their Nigerians and Chadians counterparts without the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the other hand, the township chiefs are in regular contact with the

The presence of the gendarmerie and army in the second and third positions of the representatives responsible for border security can also be explained by the strong militarization of the border in the Diffa region.

In Niger, there is a parallel customary chieftaincy, complementary to the administrative hierarchy. Sultans are at the top of the customary hierarchy, followed by the chiefs of cantons or chiefs of groups for the nomadic populations, then the sector chiefs and finally village or neighbourhood chiefs in cities. From the regional to the local level, the chieftainship thus ensures a closely-knit network for the entire territory of Niger.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 32 Diffa and Zinder regions

traditional chiefs on the other side of the border. It gives them access to valuable sources of information for border security. This is particularly true in the study areas, with populations on both sides of the border often sharing the same language and culture.

As a result, the involvement of customary chiefs in prevention and early warning mechanisms for sudden cross-border changes provides an essential guarantee of efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, customary chiefs are not representatives of the Nigerien State and are not, therefore, subject to some of the rules that apply to civil servants. Customs thus forbid the governors and prefects to maintain

formal relations with their Nigerians and Chadians counterparts without the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the other hand, the township chiefs are in regular contact with the traditional chiefs on 5.4. theAssessment other side of the border.of the It gives work them of access the to valuablestakeholders sources of information responsible for border security.for This is particularly true in the study areas, with populations on both sides of the border often sharing the bordersame language security and culture.

As a result, the involvement of customary chiefs in prevention and early warning mechanisms for sudden Overall, cross-borderthe work changesof the providesstakeholders an essential in chargeguarantee of of borderefficiency security and sustainability. management is considered satisfactory. Thus, 36% of respondents find this work satisfactory and 55% consider it fairly satisfactory.5.4. Only Assessment 8% of respondent ofs the are not work satisfied of the with stakeholdersthe actions taken. responsibleTwo lessons can be drawn from these results. A small ratio of respondents strongly disagreed with the work of border security for border security officers. However, the study found that more than half of respondents consider it to be fairly satisfactory,Overall, which the work means of the that stakeholders it can be in improved. charge of border Discussions security management with the popu is consideredlation during satisfactory. IOM field missionsThus, indicate 36 per that cent the of respondentspopulations find expect this workpatrol satisfactorys and border and 55security per cent operations consider it fairly from satisfactory. defense and Only 8 per cent of respondents are not satisfied with the actions taken. Two lessons can be drawn from security theseforces results. to be Amore small frequent.ratio of respondents strongly disagreed with the work of border security officers. However, the study found that more than half of respondents consider it to be fairly satisfactory, which means that it can be improved. Discussions with the population during IOM field missions indicate that the populations expect patrols and border security operations from defense and security forces to be more frequent. What do you think of the work of the actors in What do you thinkcharge of the work of borderof the actors security? in charge of border security?

8.1%

36.2%

55.7%

Very statisfactory Quite satisfactory Unsatisfactory

5.5. Can the local authorities ensure alone the border security?

Even though the surveyed populations generally consider the work accomplished by the local authorities on 5.5. borderCan securitythe local management authorities to be satisfactory, ensure the vast alonemajority ofthe them borderconsider that security? these stakeholders alone cannot deal effectively with the security problems at the border. Sixty-one per cent of respondents indicated that these authorities are unable to provide security on their own, compared to 34 per cent who think they are able. This demonstrates the importance of integrating communities into border management Even thoughfor support the tosurveyed the authorities. populations generally consider the work accomplished by the local authorities on border security management to be satisfactory, the vast majority of them consider that these stakeholders alone cannot deal effectively with the security problems at the border. 61% of respondents indicated that these authorities are unable to provide security on their own, compared to 34% who think they are able. This demonstrates the importance of integrating communities into border management for support to the authorities. Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 33 43

Can local authorities alone completely ensure Can local theauthorities security alone of the completely border? ensure Does not Can local authorities alonethe securitycompletely of the ensure border? the security of the border? Doesknow not know5.1% 5.1%

Yes 33.9%Yes No 33.9% 60.9%No 60.9%

5.6. Relationship between the local community and border 5.6. security Relationship officers between the local community and border security 5.6.officers Relationship between the local community and border security a. Assessment of the relationship between the local community and the border security officers a. officersAssessment of the relationship between the local community and the border security officers Thea. relationshipAssessment between of the relationship the local community between the and loca borderl community security andofficers the border is, on security the whole, officers perceived asThe good. relationship Fifty-seven between per cent the oflocal respondents community think and thisborder relationship security officers is satisfactory is, on the whole,and 23 perceived per cent even considerTheas good. relationship that 57% it ofis respondents verybetween good. the Only think local 8 perthiscommunity centrelationship of the and respondents borderis satisfactory security argue and officers that23% the evenis, on relationship consider the whole, that perceivedbetween it is very the twoasgood. good.parties Only 57% is 8% ofbad. of respondents the respondents think arguethis relationship that the relationship is satisfactory between and 23% the even two partiesconsider is thatbad. it is very good. Only 8% of the respondents argue that the relationship between the two parties is bad.

What do you think of the relationship between the local community

Whatand do theyou thinkagent of inthe charge relationship of border between security? the local Whatcommunity do you and think the of agent the relationship in charge of between border security? the local community and the56.9% agent in charge of border security? 56.9%

23.2% 23.2% 11.3% 8.3% 11.3% 8.3%

Very good Good Neutral Bad

The assessment by municipalities, of the relationship between the local community and border security officers,The assessment shows that by municipalities,the communication of the is relationship considered betweengood for athe large local part community of the municipalities. and border It is, however,Thesecurity assessment less officers, true in by showsthe municipalities, municipalities that the ofcommunication of theChetimari relationship and is Diffaconsideredbetween in the the Diffagood local region for community a andlarge of partBounéand inborderof thethe Zinder region,securitymunicipalities. where officers, a Itsignificant is, shows however, thatpart less theof truerespondents communication in the muni considercipalities is consideredthe of relation Chetimari good between and for Diffa a parties largein the part asDiffa bad21 of region(35% the in Chetimarymunicipalities.and of Bouné and in DiffaIt the is, however,Zinderand 18% region, inless Bouné). truewhere in athe significant municipalities part of of respondents Chetimari and consider Diffa inthe the rela Diffa region and of Bouné in the Zinder region, where a significant part of respondents consider the rela 21 According to the cross-checking of collected data, before the BH attacks, relations were not very good between the population and the FDS, but since the 6 February 2015, relations improved, the population collaborate with the FDS, reports any irregular activities because the inhabitants don't want to face again the sad situation of Diffa town. In addition, thanks to the presence of numerous intelligence officers, any irregular activity is almost systematically reported. 44 In Chetimari, relations remain difficult, a lot of young people have been recruited by BH; military patrols are often ambushed withthe complicity of the population; this explains why several vilages were44 deserted while there is a high concentration of population in Gagamari, Boudouri and other villages.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 34 Diffa and Zinder regions

tion between parties as bad21 (35% in Chetimary and Diffa and 18% in Bouné).

ASSESSMENTAssessment OF THE RELATIONSHIP of the relationshipBETWEEN THE LOCAL betweenCOMMUNITY ANDthe THE local BORDER community SECURITY OFFICERS and the border security officers ExcellentExcellent GoodGood NeutralNeutral BadBad TotalTotal Très bonne Bonne Neutre Mauvaise Total Diffa 22,9% 61,5% 7,1% 8,5% 100,0% Bosso 32,4% 60,6% 4,5% 2,5% 100,0% Chetimari 2,3% 47,6% 14,8% 35,3% 100,0% Diffa 24,8% 23,9% 15,7% 35,6% 100,0% Goudoumaria 42,5% 54,7% 2,3% 0,6% 100,0% Gueskerou 12,2% 76,7% 8,4% 2,7% 100,0% Mainé Soroa 33,8% 59,1% 6,2% 0,8% 100,0% Nguigmi 0,7% 98,9% 0,4% 0,0% 100,0% Ngourti 0,4% 99,3% 0,0% 0,4% 100,0% Boune 0,0% 100,0% 0,0% 0,0% 100,0% Zinder 24,4% 41,0% 27,0% 7,6% 100,0% Mallaoua 37,0% 58,1% 3,9% 1,1% 100,0% Boune 1,6% 23,6% 56,4% 18,4% 100,0% Dogo Dogo 42,9% 47,7% 9,2% 0,2% 100,0% Dungass 3,3% 86,7% 10,0% 0,0% 100,0% Total 23,2% 57,1% 11,4% 8,3% 100,0%

b. Dispute between the local community and the officers in charge of border security

As a sign of the quality of the relations between the local community and the officials in charge of border security, a majority of the respondents confirmed the absence of disputes between the two stakeholders (69%b. ofDispute respondents). between More the localthan communityone in five andrespondents the officers considers, in charge however, of border that security some disputes occur, which is a relatively high figure. This assessment is reinforced by the occurrence frequency of disputes, which occur “very often” according to 41 per cent of respondents. As a sign of the quality of the relations between the local community and the officials in charge of border security,Does the a majority localDoes community ofthe the local respondents havecommunity arguments confirmed have thewith absencearguments the officers of disputes with responsible between the the two stakeholders (69% of respofficersondents). responsible forMore security than one at forin the five security border? respondents at theconsiders, border? however, that some disputes occur, which is a relatively high figure. This assessment is reinforced by the occurrence frequency of disputes, whichDoes occur not know“very often” according to 41% of respondents. 8.9% Yes 22.4%

No 21 According to the cross-checking of collected data, 68.7%before the BH attacks, relations were not very good between the population and the FDS, but since the February 6, 2015, relations improved, the population collaborate with the FDS, reports any irregular activities because the inhabitants don't want to face again the sad situation of Diffa town. In addition, thanks to the presence of numerous intelligence officers, any irregular c. activity Reasons is almost for disputes systematically reported. In Chetimari, relations remain difficult, a lot of young people have been recruited by BH; military patrols are Severaloften ambushedreasons can with explain the complicity the disputes of the between population; the th localis explains community why several and the vilages officers were desertedin charge while of border c. security.thereReasons is Thea high formost concentration disputes common ofreasons population given in Gagamari,are the slowdown Boudouri and during other border villages. crossing (32% of answers), fines (26%) and prevention from crossing—probably linked to the closure of the Niger-Nigeria border Severalduring reasons military operations.can explain Respondents the disputes also betweenhighlight45 the th earrests local of community individuals as and a reason the officersfor disputes in charge of (14% of cases). border security. The most common reasons given are the slowdown during border crossing (32% of answers), fines (26%) and prevention from crossing—probably linked to the closure of the Niger- Nigeria border during military operations.Border security: Respondents Communities’ also integration highlight and the perception arrests of individuals as a Diffa and Zinder regions 35 reason for disputes (14% of cases).

Photo 13

Hassle (“tracasseries” in French), a term frequently used to refer to bribery, is only mentioned by a small ratio of the respondents (6.5%). However, more than a quarter mentioned the payment of fines as a cause of disputes against the police, it might also be possible that some of the hassle is also presented as legal fines. The irregular collection of money by officials in charge of border management is known for bringing lasting damage to the reputation of the State and its services which adversely affect the trust of populations.

REASONS FOR DISPUTES BETWEEN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE OFFICIALS IN CHARGE OF BORDER SECURITY Number of respondents by term Percentage Fines 1,048 25.54% Slowdown during border-crossing 1,302 31.73% Prevention from crossing 925 22.54% Arrest 560 13.65% Hassle 268 6.53%

5.7. Relationship between the authorities and the local communities

a. Facilitation by the authorities of meetings with the communities

Hassle (“tracasseries” in French), a term frequently used to refer to bribery, is only mentioned by a small ratio of the respondents (6.5%). However, more than a quarter mentioned the payment of finesasa cause of disputes against the police, it might also be possible that some of the hassle is also presented as legal fines. The irregular collection of money by officials in charge of border management is known for bringing lasting damage to the reputation of the State and its services which adversely affect the trust of populations.

Reasons for disputes between the local community and the officials in charge of border security

Number of Percentage respondents by term Fines 1,048 25.54% Slowdown during border-crossing 1,302 31.73% Prevention from crossing 925 22.54% Arrest 560 13.65% Hassle 268 6.53%

5.7. Relationship between the authorities and the local communities a. Facilitation by the authorities of meetings with the communities Meetings on border security are usually organized by the authorities. Sixty-four per cent of respondents declare that the authorities are organizing meetings with their communities on border security.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 36 Diffa and Zinder regions

Meetings on border security are usually organized by the authorities. 64% of respondents declare that the authorities are organizing meetings with their communities on border security.

Are the authorities facilitating meetings with your Are the authorities facilitatingcommunity meetings on border with securityyour community issues? on border security issues? Does not know 8.5%

No 27.3%

Yes 64.3%

b. Types of meetings Meetings arranged by the authorities aim largely to raise awareness (according to 91% of the respondents mentioning the meeting activities). The authorities also organize meetings on capacity-building and b. Types of meetings training, according respectively to 35 per cent and 28 per cent of the same respondents. Since the Meetingsrepeated arranged attacks ofby BH thein the authorities region, the aim regional largely authorities to raise madeawareness raising awareness(according their to top91% priority. of the Mayors, traditional leaders and youth structures are always asked to lead such initiatives for their youth. respondentsWhen there mentioning is an official the ceremony, meeting the activities). authorities The take authorities the opportunity also organize to spread meetings this kind of on message.capacity building and training, according respectively to 35% and 28% of the same respondents. Since the repeatedCapacity-building attacks of and BH trainingin the region, are led the mostly regional by humanitarian authorities partners made raising or development awareness NGOs. their top priority. Mayors, traditional leaders and youth structures are always asked to lead such initiatives for their children.Collaboration When therewith the is FDSan officialis necessary ceremony, as security the is aueveryone’sthorities concern; take the this opportunity is why the regional to spread authorities this kind are focusing on raising awareness for the local populations so that they start collaborating on all efforts to of message.restore peace and security in the region. Capacity building and training are led mostly by humanitarian partners or development NGOs. Topics of meetings between the communities and the authorities Collaboration with the FDS is necessary as security is everyone’s concern; this is why the regional Number of Percentage authorities are focusing on raising awareness respondentsfor the local by populations topic so that they start collaborating on all efforts to restoreCapacity-building peace and security in the region. 1,514 35.05% Training 1,190 27.55% TOPICS OF MEETINGS BETWEEN THE COMMUNITIES AND THE AUTHORITIES Raising awareness 3,927 90.92% Other Number188 of 4.35% respondents by topic Percentage Note: Multiple answers are possible. Total is not equal to 100 per cent. Capacity Building 1,514 35.05% c. AssessmentTraining of how communities are involved by the local authorities1,190 in border security27.55% managementRaising awareness 3,927 90.92% The involvementOther of the communities by the authorities is found to be188 satisfactory overall.4.35% Fifty per cent of the respondents found this involvement satisfactory and 26 per cent reported a very satisfactory involvement. OnlyMULTIPLE 22 perANSWERS cent ARE of thePOSSIBLE respondents. TOTAL IS NOT think EQUAL the TO involvement 100% of the communities by the authorities is poor. Thus, there is a fertile ground for strengthening this collaboration between the border communities and the authorities.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 37

c. Assessment of how communities are involved by the local authorities in border security management

The involvement of the communities by the authorities is found to be satisfactory overall. 50% of the respondents found this involvement satisfactory and 26% reported a very satisfactory involvement. Only 22% of the respondents think the involvement of the communities by the authorities is poor. Thus, there is a fertile ground for strengthening this collaboration between the border communities and the authorities.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT HOW THE AUTHORITIES ARE INVOLVING YOUR What do you thinkCOMMUNITY about how IN the TERMS authorities OF BORDER are SECURITY?involving your community in terms of border security?

50.3%

26.3% 21.7% 1.8%

Very satisfactory Satisfactory Quite poor Poor d. Proposal for what needs to be done to establish a very good relationship between the officials in charge of border security and the communities d. Proposal for what needs to be done to establish a very good relationship between the officials in charge of border security and the communities This was an open-ended question, without any proposed answers, to give complete freedom to respondents.

This gives us an overview of the respondents’ priorities regarding this matter, without influencing their answers.This was an open-ended question, without any proposed answers, to give complete freedom to respondents. This gives us an overview of the respondents’ priorities regarding this matter, without influencing their answers.

Photo 14

The respondents seem to recognize that it is necessary to strengthen the relations between the officials in charge of border security and the communities, for the communities to become active participants involved in border management, and to no longer be passive victims. This means to create a climate of trust between the authorities and the communities, and to implement exchange frameworks based on the local characteristics.

Respondents thus gave their opinion on the necessary actions or improvements to strengthen the relationship between the officials responsible for border security management and the local communities.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 38 Diffa and Zinder regions The respondents seem to recognize that it is necessary to strengthen the relations between the officials in charge of border security and the communities, for the communities to become active participants involved in border management, and to no longer be passive victims. This means to create a climate of trust between the authorities and the communities, and to implement exchange frameworks based on the local characteristics.

Respondents thus gave their opinion on the necessary actions or improvements to strengthen the relationshipThe answers between most thegiven officials by the populationsresponsible onfor meas borderures security or improvements management to andcreate the locala climate communities. of mutual trust are, strengthening the communication (28% of respondents), a good collaboration The answers(17%), strengthening most given by theawareness populations raising on activitimeasureses or(16%) improvements and the creationto create ofa climate committees of mutual for trust are, consultationstrengthening and the coordinationcommunication (13%). (28% Other of respondents), measures werea good also collaboration suggested, (17%),including strengthening the awarenessmultiplication raising activities of border (16%)patrols and and the the creation preparat ofion committees of meetings for forconsultation stakeholders and involved coordination in (13%). Otherborder measures management: were also authorities, suggested, traditionalincluding the leaders multiplication and the populations. of border patrols and the preparation of meetings for stakeholders involved in border management: authorities, traditional leaders andthe populations.The relative diversity of the proposals made by the respondents should not mask the fact that most of the ideas revolve around the dialogue between people and authorities, whether through The relative diversity of the proposals made by the respondents should not mask the fact that most of communication, awareness initiatives, better collaboration, consultation committees or the ideas revolve around the dialogue between people and authorities, whether through communication, meetings. These proposals reinforce the decision made regarding strengthening the awareness initiatives, better collaboration, consultation committees or meetings. These proposals reinforce the decisioncommunication made regarding through thestrengthening implementation the communication of a system of transmissionthrough the implementationof relevant information of a system of transmissionfor border ofmanagement, relevant information and the forimplementati border management,on of prevention and the implementationvillage committees, of preventiontwo villagemeasures committees, planned two in themeasures project. planned in the project.

What should be done to improve the relationship between the border What should be done to improve the relationship between the border security officials and the communities? security officials and the communities?

Prepare meetings with stakeholders Involve the 6.4% community in security Does not know management 6.4% 5.9% Increase border patrols 6.7%

Strengthen Good collaboration communication 17.3% 28.1%

Strengthen Create coordination awareness committees 16.2% 13.0%

VI. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AUTHORITIES AND COMMUNITIES REGARDING BORDER SECURITY

6.1. Intermediary person used by the communities to communicate Border security: Communities’ integration and perception with the authorities on border security matters. Diffa and Zinder regions 39

6. Communication between authorities and communities regarding border security

6.1. Intermediary person used by the communities to communicate with the authorities on border security Unlike the systemmatters in force in other regions or other countries by which every citizen contacts directly to the authorities to inform them of an incident of an irregular event, people from the regions covered by the Unlikestudy theseem system to rely in onforce intermediaries. in other regions Thus, or 72%other of countries respondents by which confirm every the citizen existence contacts of directly intermediariesto the authorities between theto inform local communitiesthem of an incident and the of authoritiesan irregular regard event,ing people communication from the regions on covered by the study seem to rely on intermediaries. Thus, 72 per cent of respondents confirm the existence of border security. intermediaries between the local communities and the authorities regarding communication on border security. Is there an intermediary between the local communities Is thereand an theintermediary authorities between for communication the local communities on border and the authorities for communicationsecurity? on border security?

No 20.1% Does not know 8.30%

Yes 71.6%

In 96% Inof 96 the per cases, cent theof the identified cases, the intermediary identified isintermediary the village chief.is the Somevillage respondents chief. Some respondentsalso mentioned also mentioned 22 the cantonthe canton or tribe or chiefs, tribe chiefs, the head the headof peace of peace committees committees or the or griotsthe griots.. This22 This observation observation highlights highlights the fact the factthat that traditional traditional leaders, leaders, including including the the village villa gechief, chief, are arenot notonly only trustworthy trustworthy persons persons for the for community, the but community,they alsobut playthey a also central play role a central in relaying role information in relaying informationbetween the between people andthe the people authorities. and the Accordingly, authorities.to fit Accordingly,the local context, to fit anythe newlocal alert context, or information any new alerttransmission or information system transmissionbetween the systemcommunity and the betweenauthorities the community should reasonablyand the authorities rely on traditional should reasonably chiefs and relyin particular on traditional on village chiefs chiefs. and in particular on village chiefs.

Photo 15

22 Griots are traditional storytellers, sometimes also responsible for transmitting messages from one village to another.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 40 Diffa and Zinder regions

22 Griots are traditional storytellers, sometimes also responsible for transmitting messages from one village to another.

Intermediary betweenIntermediary the local betweencommunities the local and communities authorities and for communication authorities for communication on border security on border security

Griot Peace 2.6% Committee Canton chief 0.2% 1.4%

Village chief 95.8%

6.2. Proposal6.2. Proposal for provisions for provisions to implement to implement a permanent a permanent communicationcommunication and an an alert alert system system between between the community the and communitythe authorities and on the border authorities security on border security

To ensure communication between communities and authorities when a problem occurs at the border, the respondentsTo ensure mainly communication identified between the creationcommunities of andlocal au informationthorities when a problemcommittees occurs as ata toolthe border, to use (61% of respondents).the respondents There are mainly many identifiedbenefits the to creationlocal committees. of local information First of committees all, their ascollegial a tool to dimension use (61% gives differentof segments respondents). of the There population are many benefits(women, to localyoung committees. people, community First of all, leaders)their collegial a voice, dimension in order to centralizegives as much different information segments asof possible.the population Under (women, the direction young people,of a respected community and leaders)stable leader, a voice, the in village chief, theyorder also to benefit centralize from as muchthe long-term information support as possibl of thee. Under population. the direction Finally, of athe respected head of and the stable committee plays a filteringleader, therole, village insofar chief, as itthey guarantees also benefit the from credibility the long-term and relevance support ofof the the population. information Finally, provided. the head of the committee plays a filtering role, insofar as it guarantees the credibility and relevance of the information provided.

Photo 16 Border security: Communities’ integration and perception

Diffa and Zinder regions 41 6.3. The benefits of good communication between communities and authorities on border security matters, according to the respondents

The benefits of good communication identified by respondents are indirectly the expectations of the authorities’ responses when they warn them of an incident or a suspicious event. The most cited benefits are the immediate response of the authorities (70% of respondents), and the timely

6.3. The benefits of good communication between communities and authorities on border security matters, according to the respondents

The benefits of good communication identified by respondents are indirectly the expectations ofthe understanding of security problems (64%). In addition, 44% of respondents consider that good authorities’ responses when they warn them of an incident or a suspicious event. The most cited benefits communication would considerably reduce the impact of border insecurity on local populations. are the immediate response of the authorities (70% of respondents), and the timely understanding of security problems (64%). In addition, 44% of respondents consider that good communication would considerably reduce the impact of border insecurity on local populations. What are the benefits of good communication between What are the benefitsthe authorities of good and communication the local community between on borderthe authorities and the local communitysecurity? on border security?

Immediate response of the authorities 70.3%

Timely understanding of security problems 64.5%

Reduce the impact of insecurity at the border 44.4% on local populations

Others 1.0%

Note: Multiple answersMULTIPLE are ANSWERS possible. ARE POSSIBLEDoes not. DsumOES to NOT 100 SUM per TO cent. 100%

6.4. The risk of miscommunication when an incident occurs at the border Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 42 Diffa and Zinder regions Poor communication between the authorities and local communities can aggravate the risks of miscommunication or create new ones. Hence, the respondents declared that this led mainly to the increase of insecurity (for 78% of respondents) and to late reactions of the authorities when their action was called upon (53%). In addition, local communities would be more severely affected in the event of poor communication (45%).

What are the risks of poor communication between communities and authorities?

77.6%

53.1% 44.7%

2.5%

Increase of insecurity late reactions of the severe damages for others authorities the local communities

understanding of security problems (64%). In addition, 44% of respondents consider that good communication would considerably reduce the impact of border insecurity on local populations.

What are the benefits of good communication between the authorities and the local community on border security?

Immediate response of the authorities 70.3%

Timely understanding of security problems 64.5%

Reduce the impact of insecurity at the border 44.4% on local populations

Others 1.0%

MULTIPLE ANSWERS ARE POSSIBLE. DOES NOT SUM TO 100%

6.4. The risk of miscommunication when an incident occurs at the border 6.4. The risk of miscommunication when an incident occurs Poor communicationat the border between the authorities and local communities can aggravate the risks of miscommunication or create new ones. Hence, the respondents declared that this led mainly to the Poor communication between the authorities and local communities can aggravate the risks of increase of insecurity (for 78% of respondents) and to late reactions of the authorities when their miscommunication or create new ones. Hence, the respondents declared that this led mainly tothe action was called upon (53%). In addition, local communities would be more severely affected in the increase of insecurity (for 78% of respondents) and to late reactions of the authorities when their action wasevent called of poor upon communication (53%). In addition, (45%). local communities would be more severely affected in the event of poor communication (45%). What are the risks of poor communication between What are the risks of poor communicationcommunities and between authorities? communities and authorities?

77.6%

53.1% 44.7%

2.5%

IncreaseIncrease ofof insecurityinsecurity lateLate reactions reactions of of the the severeSevere damages for othersOthers authoritiesauthorities the local communities

Note: Multiple answers are possible. Does not sum to 100 per cent. 52

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 43 7. Crisis response plan

7.1. Causes of the mass displacements of populations at the border according to the respondents

Since 2014, the East of the Diffa region has experienced mass displacement of the population, especially in the villages of Nigeria’s border and close to the Lake Chad areas.23 More than 89 per cent of the respondents mentioned primarily the insecurity as one of the causes for this phenomenon. They also mentioned natural disasters as an important cause of mass population displacement, which used to be the main cause of displacements. People have strong lasting memories of the damages from the 2013 floods and the recurring droughts. Other causes have been mentioned such as voluntary migration and epidemics—answer probably linked to the viral hepatitis E epidemic affecting the region at the time of the research.24 Causes of mass displacement of population at Causes of mass displacementthe border of population at the border

Other 6.7%

Epidemics 15.2%

Migration 29.8%

Natural disasters 46.3%

Insecurity 88.5%

Note: Multiple answersMULTIPLE are ANSWERS possible. ARE POSSIBLEDoes not. DsumOES toNOT 100 SUM per TO cent.100%

23 As of April 30th, 2017, 106 000 Nigerians refugees were in Niger, in addition to 127 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs): https://data2. unhcr.org/fr/country/ner 24 7.2.See https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Niger/NER_Snasphot_epidemies_hepatite_E_05052017.pdfDo you think that communities are ready to deal with a mass displacement of the population? Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 44 Diffa and Zinder regions Respondents are relatively confident about the communities’ ability to deal with situations of mass displacement of populations. 66% of respondents think that these communities are prepared to cope, while 28% consider that they are not ready.

Number Percentage Yes 4,431 65.92% No 1,904 28.32% Does not know 387 5.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

Respondents explained their reasons why they thought they would be ready to face mass population displacements. For 27% of the given answers, the communities feel they are ready to face the situation because they reacted positively during past crises. Similarly, 15% consider that the communities are already well prepared and organized to deal with such phenomena. The awareness of local authorities is also an important contribution to help these communities in developing skills to deal with displacements and to ease their negative consequences (for 18% of answers).

Photo 18

This confidence in the ability of communities to deal with mass displacement of population is probably due to the recent event in the Diffa region, which hosted hundreds of thousands of displaced people and refugees in recent years. It should nevertheless be noted that most of the displaced and refugees are installed farther from the border than the villages covered by the study, which might explain the optimistic vision regarding their ability to absorb the flow of people.

7.2. Do you think that communities are ready to deal with a mass displacement of the population?

Respondents are relatively confident about the communities’ ability to deal with situations ofmass displacement of populations. Sixty-six per cent of respondents think that these communities are prepared to cope, while 28 per cent consider that they are not ready.

Number Percentage Yes 4,431 65.92% No 1,904 28.32% Does not know 387 5.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

Respondents explained their reasons why they thought they would be ready to face mass population displacements. For 27 per cent of the given answers, the communities feel they are ready to face the situation because they reacted positively during past crises. Similarly, 15 per cent consider thatthe communities are already well prepared and organized to deal with such phenomena. The awareness of local authorities is also an important contribution to help these communities in developing skills to deal with displacements and to ease their negative consequences (for 18% of answers).

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 45

Reasons whyReasons communities why communities are ready orare not ready to deal or notwith toa crisis deal situation, with a crisis basedsituation, on reaction based on to reactionpast crisis to past crisis

PositivePositive reaction: reaction: crisis crisis situation situation already already 27.1% experiencedexperienced by the by population the population PositivePositive reaction: reaction: authorities authorities raised raised awareness awareness 18.6% amongamong the populationthe population before before the crisis the crisis PositivePositive reaction: reaction: population population well well prepared prepared and and 14.9% organized organized NegativeNegative reaction: reaction: the the population population panicked panicked and and 14.2% ran away ran away Negative reaction: crisis situation already Negative reaction: crisis situation already 11.3% experiencedexperienced by the by population the population Negative reaction: population misinformed and Negative reaction: population misinformed and 7.2% disorganized disorganized Other 6.8%

7.3. The necessary means to deal with an emergency 7.3. The necessary means to deal with an emergency To deal with an emergency situation, people must develop strategies and have adequate means to respond effectively to the problems encountered. The approaches most often mentioned to deal with emergencyTo deal with situations an emergency are raising situation, awareness people of the must population develop strategiesand immediate and have support adequate to displaced means peopleto orrespond refugees, effectively according to to the respectively problems encountered. 27 per cent andThe 23approaches per cent mostof responses. often mentioned Other ways to dealare shelters with (11%emergency of answers) situations and emergency are raising materials awareness (21% of of th answers).e population A good and coordination immediate supportat the local to displacedlevel is also importantpeople or for refugees, effective according actions to in respectively cases of emergency, 27% and 23%according of responses. to 11 per Other cent waysof the are answers shelters provided (11% by the respondents. of answers) and emergency materials (21% of answers). A good coordination at the local level is also important for effective actions in cases of emergency, according to 11% of the answers provided by the respondents.

Photo 19

It should be noted that the most frequent responses are less the existence of material resources (shelters and emergency use devices) than the preparation (raising awareness), the coordination and the effective response of communities by immediately seeing to the needs of displaced people.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 46 Diffa and Zinder regions

What are the necessary means to deal with an What are the necessaryemergency? means to deal with an emergency?

Awareness raising 27.3%

Immediate support to displaced people 23.7%

Emergency equipment 21.0%

Shelters 16.3%

Good coordination at local level 11.3%

Autre 0.5%

7.4. Roles the authorities should play to deal with an emergency 7.4. Roles the authorities should play to deal with an emergency Involvement of the authorities is essential to deal with emergency situations. According to respondents,

in emergency cases, the authorities must prioritize hosting the displaced population (mentioned by 28% ofInvolvement answers) and of provide the authorities emergency is equipment essential (nearlyto deal 20% with of responses emergency answers). situations. Other According aspects concern to therespondents, immediate in assistance emergency of thecases, displaced the authorities (17% of answers), must prioritize assistance hosting to sick the and displaced wounded population people (14% of(mentioned responses) by and 28% to of identifyanswers) anda secured provide hosting emerge areancy equipmentfor displaced (nearly persons 20% of(also responses 14% of answers).the answers). The populations’ expectations regarding the role of the authorities are thus quite wide, as they cover Other aspects concern the immediate assistance of the displaced (17% of answers), assistance to sick areas as diverse as logistics, resettlement, health care or even safety. And yet these areas are often the and wounded people (14% of responses) and to identify a secured hosting area for displaced persons responsibility of separate public services and administrations. (also 14% of the answers). The populations’ expectations regarding the role of the authorities are thus Pastquite crisis wide, management as they cover revealed areas asa need diverse for asgreater logist coordinationics, resettlement, between health the care different or even stakeholders safety. And from theyet theserelevant areas State. are Thisoften observation the responsibility has been of se confirmedparate public during services the simulation and administrations. exercise organized by the IOM in Zinder and Mirriah, in March 2017. Taken in isolation, the services know their missions and how Past crisis management revealed a need for greater coordination between the different stakeholders to conduct them. However, the general coordination, whether at the place where the crisis takes place orfrom in the relevantcrisis councils State. atThis the observation departmental has beenand regionalconfirmed levels during (Department the simulation and exerciseRegional organized Operational Centres—CODby the IOM in Zinderand COR and25), Mirriah, would benefitin March from 2017. being Take nmore in isolation, structured. the It services is precisely know the their purpose missions of the nationaland how toand conduct the regional them. contingency However, the plans general that coor will dination,be developed whether within at the projectplace where which theimplemented crisis thetakes present place orstudy. in the crisis councils at the departmental and regional levels (Department and Regional Operational Centers—CODWhat and role COR should25), would the benefit author fromities beingplay when more structured.facing an It is precisely the purpose Whatof the nationalrole should and thethe regional authorities emergencycontingency play situation?planswhen thatfacing will anbe developedemergency within situation? the project which implemented the present study.

Take care of the displaced population 28.6%

Provide emergency equipment 19.7%

immediate assistance of the displaced 17.8%

Identify a hosting area 14.7%

Assistance to sick and wounded people 14.7%

Relocate displaced people 4.5%

25 In French, Centre Opérationnel Départemental and Centre Opérationnel Régional (COR).

7.5. The roles to be played by communities56 to deal with an emergency situation 25 In French, Centre Opérationnel Départemental and Centre Opérationnel Régional (COR).

Local communities must also have a role to Borderplay to security: deal with Communities’ emergency integration situations. and perceptionThe roles mentioned by respondents were mostly to welcome the displaced populationDiffa and and to promptly Zinder regions inform 47 the authorities, according to respectively 32% and 25% of the answers provided by the respondents. These communities must also coordinate their actions with the authorities locally, to facilitate the support of displaced populations (nearly 17% answers), respect the provisions taken by this authority (10% of answers) and above all remain more vigilant (14% of answers).

Photo 20

The emphasis of the respondents on the hosting role of the local communities reflects how displaced people have been supported during the crisis in Nigeria, and then in the southeast of Niger. A significant ratio of these people settled not in camps but with host families with which they shared family links, or at least a linguistic or ethnic affiliation.

7.5. The roles to be played by communities to deal with an emergency situation

Local communities must also have a role to play to deal with emergency situations. The roles mentioned by respondents were mostly to welcome the displaced population and to promptly inform the authorities, according to respectively 32 per cent and 25 per cent of the answers provided by the respondents. These communities must also coordinate their actions with the authorities locally, to facilitate the support of displaced populations (nearly 17% answers), respect the provisions taken by this authority (10% of answers) and above all remain more vigilant (14% of answers).

More than a third of the participants said that informing the local authorities and coordinate actions with them are among the roles that communities must have during an emergency situation, which denotes a willingness to have better coordination between populations and State services. What role should local communities play when What role should local facingcommunities an emergency play when situation? facing an emergency situation?

RespectRespect the the provisions provisions ta takenken by by the the authorities authorities 10.8%

RemainRemain more more vigilant vigilant 14.5%

CoordinateCoordinate with with local local authorities authorities to to support support 16.9% displaced populationsdisplaced populations

PromptlyPromptly inform inform authorities authorities 25.5%

WelcomeWelcome the the displaced displaced population population 32.2%

7.6. How to associate communities and the authorities for an 7.6.effectiveHow to associate management communities of emergency and the authorities situations? for an

Respondentseffective answered thismanagement open-ended question of emergency by mentioning situations? dialogue and information exchange.

Respondents evoke the fact that the collaboration between communities and the authorities must happen Respondents answered this open-ended question by mentioning dialogue and information exchange. mainly through exchanges and raising awareness, good collaboration and the creation of local vigilance andRespondents emergency managementevoke the fact committees. that the collaboration They also suggested between regular communities meetings and betweenthe authorities the two mustparties, happen mainly through exchanges and raising awareness, good collaboration and the creation of local vigilance and emergency management committees. They also suggested regular meetings between 48the two parties,Border security:ensuring Communities’ the communities’ integration capacity and buperceptionilding to prevent and face crisis situations and provide helpDiffa and and support Zinder to regions the displaced populations.

How to associate communities and authorities for effective management of emergency situations?

Other 1.5% Throught the chief of village 1.2% Good decisions taken by the authorities 1.3% Involve communities in decison making 2.4% Better security 3.8% Capacity building within the communities 3.9% Does not know 6.0% Support to populations 6.2% Organize meetings 10.8% Vigilance and emergency management committees 13.7% Good collaboration 21.2% Through dialogue and awareness raising 28.2%

What role should local communities play when facing an emergency situation?

Respect the provisions taken by the authorities 10.8%

Remain more vigilant 14.5%

Coordinate with local authorities to support 16.9% displaced populations

Promptly inform authorities 25.5%

Welcome the displaced population 32.2%

7.6. How to associate communities and the authorities for an effective management of emergency situations?

Respondents answered this open-ended question by mentioning dialogue and information exchange.

Respondents evoke the fact that the collaboration between communities and the authorities must happen mainly through exchanges and raising awareness, good collaboration and the creation of local vigilance and emergency management committees. They also suggested regular meetings between the two ensuringparties, ensuring the communities’ the communities’ capacity-building capacity bu toilding prevent to prevent and face and crisis face situationscrisis situations and provideand help and provide supporthelp and to support the displaced to the displacedpopulations. populations.

How toHow associate to associate communities communities and authorities and authorities for effective for effective management managementof emergency of emergency situations? situations?

Other 1.5% Throught the chief of village 1.2% Good decisions taken by the authorities 1.3% Involve communities in decison making 2.4% Better security 3.8% Capacity-buildingCapacity building within the communities 3.9% Does not know 6.0% Support to populations 6.2% Organize meetings 10.8% Vigilance and emergency management committees 13.7% 7.7. How can local communitiesGood collaboration help prevent emergencies?21.2% Through dialogue and awareness raising 28.2%

As a result of the attention paid to issues affecting their communities through the previous questions,

7.7.respondents How arecan certainly local informed communities on the actions helpthey must prevent take to prevent emergencies? emergency situations. Responses to the question on what they58 can do to prevent such situations, show they largely select As twoa result main of actions. the attention Thus, 53% paidof th toe responsesissues affecting indicate theirthat they communities must allow, through promote, the and previous encourage questions, respondentsthe local population are certainly to play informed a role of on vigilance the actions Commit tee.they In addition,must take in to 45% prevent of cases, emergencythere should situations. be Responses to the question on what they can do to prevent such situations, show they largely select two a strengthening of the capacity of information transmission from the local community to the main actions. Thus, 53 per cent of the responses indicate that they must allow, promote, and encourage authorities. the local population to play a role of vigilance Committee. In addition, in 45 per cent of cases, there should be a strengthening of the capacity of information transmission from the local community to the authorities. How to prevent an emergency situation with the How to prevent an emergencylocal community?situation with the local community? Other 2%

Strengthen capacity of Enable, promote information and bring the transmission local population from the local to play a key community to role in the the authorities vigilance 45% committee 53%

8. MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE DIFFA REGION

This part of the research was only conducted in the Diffa region in order to learn more about how the people of the region have reacted to the crises which struck them in recent years. Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Photo 21 Diffa and Zinder regions 49

8.1. Reaction to the mass displacement of a population following a crisis situation

The majority of the villages affected by the investigation in the Diffa region was hit by a crisis involving the mass displacement of populations in the recent past. These populations have faced situations of crises in a range of ways depending on the magnitude of problems and the steps taken to deal with it. Thus, 42% of respondents said they immediately fled following the panic after the unfolded events. In contrast, nearly 35% of respondents stayed in their communities while remaining vigilant. 14.8% of respondents say they tried to help the authorities to deal with the crisis situation.

8. Management of emergency situations in the Diffa region

This part of the research was only conducted in the Diffa region in order to learn more about how the people of the region have reacted to the crises which struck them in recent years.

8.1. Reaction to the mass displacement of a population following a crisis situation

The majority of the villages affected by the investigation in the Diffa region was hit by a crisis involving the mass displacement of populations in the recent past. These populations have faced situations of crises in a range of ways depending on the magnitude of problems and the steps taken to deal with it. Thus, 42 per cent of respondents said they immediately fled following the panic after the unfolded events. In contrast, nearly 35 per cent of respondents stayed in their communities while remaining vigilant. 14.8 per cent of respondents say they tried to help the authorities to deal with the crisis situation.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 50 Diffa and Zinder regions

What did you do when facing a mass population displacement following a crisis situation?

NeverWhat experienced did you such do situation when facing2.9% a mass population What did you do whendisplacement facing a mass populationfollowing a displacementcrisis situation? following a crisis situation? Did nothing 4.2%

Never experienced such situation 2.9% Tried to help authorities 14.8%

Did nothing 4.2% Stayed in their communities and remained vigilant 35.8%

Tried to help authorities 14.8% Ran away 42.3%

Stayed in their communities and remained vigilant 35.8%

Ran away 42.3% 8.2. The reaction of the local community and community leaders

during a crisis

8.2. The reaction of the local community and community 8.2.In regardleadersThe to the reaction local during community of athe incrisis generallocal communityand their community and leaders, community the reaction leaders for some (37% for the local community and 28% for community leaders) was also to flee as a result of panic during In regard toduring the local a community crisis in general and their community leaders, the reaction for some (37% for crises while others chose to stay while remaining vigilant (39% and 24% the two respective parties). the local community and 28% for community leaders) was also to flee as a result of panic during crises Respondents also found the community leaders did not react to the crisis situation (according to 26% while others chose to stay while remaining vigilant (39% and 24% the two respective parties). Respondents In regard to the local community in general and their community leaders, the reaction for some (37% alsoof thefound answers), the community which can leaders be analyz did ednot as react a criticism to the againstcrisis situation them. (according to 26% of the answers), for the local community and 28% for community leaders) was also to flee as a result of panic during which can be analysed as a criticism against them. crises while othersMesures chose to taken stay while by theremaining local vigilantcommunity (39% and and 24% community the two respective parties). RespondentsMesures also taken found by the the community local community leaders did and not community react to the crisisleaders situation to face (according the crisis to 26% of the answers), which can be analyzleadersed as a criticism to face against the crisis them. 45% 39.6% 40% 37.7%Mesures taken by the local community and community 35% 28.5% leaders to face the crisis 30% 26.5% 45% 24.3% 25% 39.6% 40% 37.7% 18.3% 20% 15.5% 35%15% 28.5% 30%10% 26.5% 24.3% 4.8% 25%5% 2.4% 2.3% 18.3% 20%0% 15.5% 15% Immediatly ran away Stayed put while Tried to help Did nothing Never experienced 10% due to panic remaining vigilant authorities such situation 4.8% 5% Reaction of local communities Reaction of community leaders 2.4% 2.3% 0% Immediatly ran away Stayed put while Tried to help Did nothing Never experienced due to panic remaining vigilant authorities such situation

Reaction of local communities Reaction of community leaders

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 51

8.3. Immediate measures taken by the stakeholders in charge of border management following a crisis

8.3. Immediate measures taken by the stakeholders in charge To supportof border the border management management, measures following must be taken a crisisimmediately in order to prevent the crisis situations and deal with the encountered problems. This question was open-ended, without Toproposed support theanswer border with management, the intention measures not to influence must be the taken respondents’ immediately reply. in order The respondentsto prevent the most crisis situationsmentioned and answers deal withare: thestrengthening encountered security problems. (24% Thisof the question answers), was hosting open-ended, and support without displaced proposed answerpersons with (12% the of intentionanswers) or not the toevacuation influence of a the bo rder respondents’ village if necessary reply. The(according respondents to 8% of the most mentioned answersrespondents). are: strengthening The control orsecurity closure (24% of the of border, the answers), the authorities’ hosting responseand support and maintainingdisplaced persons vigilance (12% ofare answers) also mentioned. or the evacuation It should beof anoted border that village a fift ifh necessaryof respondents (according consider to 8% that of the respondents).stakeholders in The controlcharge or of closure border of management the border, the did authorities’not react. response and maintaining vigilance are also mentioned. It should be noted that a fifth of respondents consider that the stakeholders in charge of border management didThese not react.findings partially add up to the results of the simulation exercise organized by the IOM in Zinder, in March 2017. The authorities’ reaction focuses on security (the “closure of the border”, “control of Thesethe border”, findings “retort” partially and add “reinforce up to the security” results answer of the simulations) rather than exercise on the receptionorganized ofby and the assistanceIOM in Zinder, into March the displaced 2017. The persons. authorities’ reaction focuses on security (the “closure of the border”, “control of the border”, “retort” and “reinforce security” answers) rather than on the reception of and assistance to the displaced persons.

WhatWhat were were the the immediate immediate respon responsesses by theby the stakeholders stakeholders in incharge charge of ofborder border management? management? Remain vigilant Close the border 2.4% Fired back 3.1% They were not here 5.4% 2.1% DénoncerDenounce les terroristesterrorists 0.9% Border control Others 6.9% 6.3%

To leave the village 8.2%

Nothing at all Does not know 20.0% 8.6%

Welcome and support displaced people 11.7%

Strengthen security 24.4%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 52 Diffa and Zinder regions Conclusion

This study highlights the perceptions of Diffa and Zinder communities on security management at the border, security risks and the terrorist phenomenon that affects this part of the basin of the Niger. The study shares their opinion on the efficiency of the border management, their relations with the authorities in the area and their proposals to deal with emergency situations. For the localities in the Diffa region, recently and deeply affected by terrorist attacks, the study also shares the reaction populations had during this crisis.

Communities seem to have a relatively clear idea of the border itself, even though the border is not always materialized and that border posts are rather few. Local communities know the location of the border, which they mainly associate with the delimitation between two States, but also as a means for the authorities to monitor entries and exits, as well as to ensure the populations’ safety. At the same time, the border crossing is an economic and cultural widespread practice which was strongly impacted by the increase of insecurity in the region: almost all of the respondents indicate that they were crossing the border on a regular basis before the emergence of Boko Haram, compared to only half at the time of research.

Populations clearly identify different border defense and security forces, because of their frequent presence through their patrols and their interventions. The gendarmerie is the main known force by the border population. They have, overall, a rather positive image of them and they appreciate their work to ensure safety. However, a large proportion of respondents reported disputes with officials in charge of border management. Fines and hassles (bribes) contribute to serious disputes.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 53 A significant part of the population has knowledge of the existence of crossing points used for criminal activities. In this area, crime is not an occult phenomenon; inhabitants are aware of its existence and know specific information on its terms and the most affected areas.

The communities recognized the existence of security problems at the border, among which the most frequents are armed or terrorist groups incursions, violent attacks and trafficking in drugs, weapons or other kinds. Significant differences were noted between the Zinder and Diffa regions, the latter being particularly affected by terrorism.

Regarding terrorism, a majority of respondents confirmed the presence of terrorist activities in their area. The most cited terrorist activities are widespread attacks on civilians, house destruction and murders. However, a large part of the respondents said that today their community was safe from terrorism and a large majority believes that terrorism is decreasing. Even in areas recently affected by Boko Haram attacks, such as Bosso and N’Guigmi, the populations estimate that the terrorist threat was increasingly far away and that the authorities in charge of securing the populations took charge. It is noteworthy that the intensity of the terrorist threat can vary according to the time of the year. Indeed, during the dry season (October–June), the level of the river marking the border in the Diffa region is at its lowest, which facilitates the incursions of Boko Haram from Nigeria. The field investigation was conducted in February and March, i.e. during which the level of the terrorist threat is highest.

Regarding border management, a relatively large ratio of the respondents confirmed patrolling in their area. It is thus in the localities with patrolling that respondents find the security level very satisfactory compared to the average of all the surveyed villages. Security is considered as overall satisfactory, including in villages where they encountered security problems in the past. Furthermore, respondents identify most of the local officials in charge of security management at the border, which they find satisfactory overall. However, they feel that these authorities cannot alone effectively ensure security in the area, they also need more resources and capacity strengthening.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 54 Diffa and Zinder regions Overall, the populations appreciate the involvement of the authorities with the local communities in securing the border. They were also able to make several recommendations on what needs to be done to strengthen the relations between the border security officials and the communities. One proposal in particular, the creation of local prevention committees, would aim to raise awareness of the population and transmitting information to the authorities regarding border security. Already used in other IOM projects, this type of structure has the advantage of including the different sections of a village population and thus, multiplying potential sources of information. The project “Engaging communities in border management in Niger” will involve the creation of prevention committees in a targeted sample of the villages of Diffa and Zinder covered by the study.

Regarding the communication between the authorities and the local communities on border security, the vast majority of the respondents confirmed the existence of an intermediary between the two parties, which is almost always the village chief. Thus, community members do not directly contact the authorities, via a toll-free number for example. This finding will be taken into account when setting up the communication equipment within the prevention committees.

In terms of emergency responses, a relatively large proportion of the respondents believe their communities are well prepared to deal with situations of mass displacement. They consider the past crisis situations as a force. In addition, the populations identified the means/tools to put in place in case of an emergency situation, among which the most important are awareness-raising for the population and immediate care for displaced persons and refuges. Also mentioned was the role respectively played by the authorities and the local communities when facing emergency crises, as well as the necessity for both parties to work together during a crisis situation. In order to strengthen the response capacity during this type of situation, the IOM is currently working on a contingency plan development for cross-border crises, which will be implemented in the Diffa and Zinder regions.

This study provides a detailed picture of the border communities perceptions and is a valuable tool for continuing the activities carried out under the project “Engaging Communities in Border Management in Niger”. It has once again demonstrated the importance of relations between the communities and the authorities for safe borders and prosperous cross-border trade.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 55 Annexes

Questionnaire and explanations for researchers

CONSENT OF RESPONDENT Consent: (Part to read to potential participants)

I am undertaking a study and I would like to invite you to participate. The research focuses on the participation of the local communities in border management in Niger, particularly in the Diffa and Zinder regions.

Your participation is completely voluntary and we will not record the personal data you will choose to share with us. There will be no compensation or penalty whether you participate or not. You can of course withdraw your participation at any time, before we start the research. Your information and advice would be appreciated and will guide policies, programmes, and research on the participation of local communities in border management. The interview takes about an hour.

I have presented you information about the research, do you agree to participate? (Check to confirm the verbal consent of the participant) Yes □ OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY This study is part of the project “Engaging Communities in Border This column provides you with some guidance to Management in Niger”, funded by the United States. It was designed by explain to the respondents and to the authorities/ the IOM to collect, analyse and understand the vision of the communities community leaders why the IOM is doing this living in border areas, regarding their participation in border management, study and why it is important for them to support their understanding of the migratory dynamics and their perceptions it. on the ins and outs of terrorists’ incidents in the region of the Lake Chad Basin. This quantitative and analytical study will therefore lead national and international stakeholders to adapt their actions to better integrate communities, and interact with them to better meet their needs. In the long term this study will demonstrate the need to bring communities out of the role of potential victims of insecurity in order to make them a key player in border management, through prevention committees. A – BASIC INFORMATION A.1. Date: Prior information, very Important to collect. A.2. Department: A.3. Municipality: Always use the same spelling for the village/ A.4. Village/hamlet: hamlet names. B – PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENT B.1. Gender: □ Male If the respondent is reluctant or suspicious, □ Female you can explain that all answers given will only be known by the IOM and remind him/ her that the questionnaire is anonymous. Personal information will not be shared with the authorities, or to anyone external to the organization. B.2. Nationality: □ Nigerien □ Nigerian □ Chadian □ Other (please specify) ______B.2. Ethnicity: □ Haoussa □ Toubou □ Peulh □ Kanouri □ Other (please specify) ______B.3. Age: □ 18–25 year-old □ 26–40 year-old □ 41–60 year-old □ 61–80 year-old

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 56 Diffa and Zinder regions B.4. Work activity: □ Livestock farming □ Agriculture □ Fishing □ Merchant □ Other (please specify)______C – COMMUNITIES’ PERCEPTIONS ON BORDER MANAGEMENT C.1. What is the purpose of □ Define the separation between two Ask the person what is according to her the a border, according to States usefulness of the border. you? □ Ensuring populations’ safety □ Allow the authorities to monitor entries and exits □ Other ______Several answers are possible. □ Does not know C.2. Do you know exactly □ Yes Ask where the border is located, from where you where the border is □ No are at the moment. The purpose of this question located? is to know whether the respondent is aware of the border line from the place where he/she lives. C.3. Have you crossed the □ Yes Ask if the person crossed the border into the border in the past? □ No neighbouring country. C.4. Are you crossing the □ Yes Ask if the person is nowadays crossing the border border at the present □ No to travel to the neighbouring country. time? The purpose of this question is to know if the person stopped crossing the border since insecurity started. C.5. How often do you cross □ Several times a day If the answer to the previous question is YES, ask the border? □ Every day how often the respondent is crossing the border □ Often at the present time. □ 2–3 times a week □ Once a week Choose only one answer. □ Once a month □ Once a year □ Never □ Other ______C.6.a. Why were you crossing □ Familial reasons Ask why the respondent was crossing the border the border in the past? □ Economic reasons in the past (before insecurity started). Several □ Trade/Business answers are possible. □ Other (to be specified) ______C.6.b. Why do you cross the □ Familial reasons Ask why the person is crossing the border at the border today? □ Economic reasons present time. The goal is to know if the person □ Trade/Business crosses the border for different reasons since the □ Other (please specify ) ______insecurity began.

Several answers are possible. C.7. Do you know the □ Yes Ask if the person knows if FDS agents are present Defense and Security □ No at the border. Forces (FDS) present at the border? C.8. If yes, which □ Policemen Ask the respondent what kind of FDS agents are stakeholders do you □ Gendarmes present at the border. know? □ National Guards □ Customs □ Military Several answers are possible. □ Others (please specify) ______

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 57 D – SECURITY RISKS AT THE BORDER Nationalities D.1.a What are the □ Nigeriens from other regions Ask the nationality/nationalities of the people nationalities of the □ Nigeriens from the neighbouring crossing. persons crossing the village/hamlet border? □ Chadians Check several answers if necessary. □ Nigerians □ Others (Specify) ______A person may have several nationalities. Specify other nationalities that are not listed above.

The respondent(s) may not know the nationalities. D.1.b. What are the □ Families Ask the respondent what are the types of persons categories of people □ Refugees crossing the border. who use the border □ Immigrants crossings? □ Merchants Several answers are possible. □ Other (please specify) ______D.2. Are border crossings □ Yes Ask the respondent if, in his/her opinion, border used for criminal □ No crossing is used by persons who commit acts activities? □ Doesn’t know prohibited by Nigerien law. Explain again that the questionnaire is anonymous and that the identity of the respondents will not be shared.

Help respondents by providing examples of criminal activity to make the response easier (see next question). D.3. What types of security □ Theft Ask what types of illegal activities are involved. problems do local □ Trafficking (drugs, weapons, etc.) communities face at □ Violent assault Several answers are possible. the border? □ Incursions of armed/terrorist groups □ Other ______□ None D.4. Has your village/ □ Yes Ask the respondent is the village/hamlet where hamlet ever been □ No he/she lives has ever been directly affected by affected by a border insecurity. Please note that this question does insecurity issue? not concern the neighbouring localities but only the one where you are. D.5. Do you know the □ Border controls at border posts Ask the respondent if he/she knows the measures security measure □ Patrol taken by the FDS and the authorities to make the applied at the border? □ Search border secure. □ Informants □ Other ______Several answers are possible. D.6. What do you think □ Very good Ask the respondent his/her opinion on the of these security □ Quite good effectiveness of these measures. measures? □ Insufficient Choose only one answer. D.7. What are the risks □ Epidemics Ask the person what the risks are if the border is that can arise from □ Terrorist incursions/armed groups not secure. mismanagement of □ Illegal trafficking border security? □ Banditry Several answers are possible. □ Recruitment of youth by armed groups □ Other ______□ Does not know

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 58 Diffa and Zinder regions E – PERCEPTIONS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES ON TERRORISM E.1. Have you ever heard □ Yes Ask the person if she has ever heard of terrorism about terrorism? □ No or terrorists.

Please note that these are acts committed by members of armed groups like Boko Haram. This question does not concern banditry or, for example, the theft of flocks by individuals acting on their own.

If the word “terrorism” does not seem appropriate to the context in which you find yourself, you can replace it with more indirect expressions like “Tajirwa’ma” in Kanouri or “Ain bidiga dady” in Hausa. E.2. What kinds of terrorist □ Generalized attacks on civilians Ask the person what types of terrorist activities activities do you know? □ Destruction of houses she knows. □ Murders □ Abductions Several answers are possible. □ Intimidation □ Doesn’t know E.3. In your opinion, what □ Poverty Ask the person what drives people to participate could lead people to □ Lack of occupation in terrorist activities. this phenomenon? □ Adherence to ideology □ Opposition to the authorities Several answers are possible. □ Anger and frustration □ Other ______□ Doesn’t know E.4. Do you think your □ Yes Ask the respondent if he/she considers his/her community is safe from □ No community could be reached by terrorism. this phenomenon? Please explain. E.5. In your opinion, is the □ Disappearing Ask the respondent if the terrorist threat is terrorist threat on the □ Stable disappearing, remains the same or if it increases. way to disappear in □ Increasing the region, stable or □ None of this Choose only one answer. increasing? E.6. What do you think □ Raising awareness among young Ask the respondent what the communities can we can do for the people do to prevent terrorism. local communities to □ Involve community leaders (village prevent this kind of leaders, imams, etc.) Several answers are possible. threat? □ Create community prevention committees □ Nothing □ Other ______E.7. How do you think the □ Alert the authorities if there is a Ask the person how the local community can help local communities problem the authorities fight terrorism. could help the □ Other ______authorities in fighting □ Nothing Several answers are possible. against terrorism while protecting themselves?

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 59 F – EFFICIENCY OF BORDER MANAGEMENT F.1. What do you think Ask the respondent what it means to ensure border security is? security at the border.

Report the answer(s) in the field provided for Kobo. F.2. Are there patrols all □ Yes Ask the respondent if there are any patrols of along the border? □ No the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) along the border. F.3. Are there patrols in the □ Yes Ask whether the defense and security forces village? □ No (FDS) patrols regularly in their villages.

F.4. What is the security □ Good What is the opinion of the respondent on the level in the area □ Average level of security in his/her area? according to you? □ Poor □ No security at all Choose only one answer. F.5. Who are, in your □ Policeman Ask the respondent what services/authorities opinion, the local □ Gendarme should ensure border security. representatives □ Customs responsible for border □ Village leader Several answers are possible. security management? □ Customary Leader □ Mayor □ The Army □ Prefect □ Governor F.6. What do you think □ Very satisfactory Ask the respondent for his/her opinion on the of the actions of the □ Quite satisfactory effectiveness of these services/authorities in the stakeholders managing □ Not satisfactory management of border security. border security? Choose only one answer.

If the person does not seem comfortable, you can remind her that the questionnaire will not be shared with the authorities. Answers given by the respondent will remain strictly confidential. F.7. Do you think the local □ Yes Ask if in his/her opinion, the local authorities authorities alone can □ No (mayor, prefect, village chief, FDS) are able to fully ensure border ensure alone the border security—that is without security? the support of local communities. F.8. What do you think of □ Very good Try to find out what is the quality of the relations the relations between □ Good between the respondent’s community and the the local community □ Neutral officers in charge of border security. The goal is and the border security □ Poor to know whether the relations are good or not. officers? □ Other Choose only one answer. F.9. Are there sometimes □ Yes Try to find out if there are disagreements between disputes between the □ No local communities and border security officers. local community and the officers responsible These disagreements do not necessarily imply for border security? physical violence. F.10. If yes, how often do □ Very often Ask if these disputes occur very often, not very these disagreements □ Not very often often or rarely. happen? □ Rarely Choose only one answer. F.11. What are the reasons? □ Fines Ask what were the reasons for the disputes. □ Slowing down border crossing □ Prevention of crossing Several answers are possible. □ Arrests □ Hassle □ Other ______

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 60 Diffa and Zinder regions F.12.a. Do the authorities □ Yes Find out if authorities have already held meetings organize meetings □ No with communities to discuss border security. with your community regarding border security? F.12.b. If yes, which ones? □ Capacity-building Try to find out what types of meetings have been □ Training organized. □ Raising awareness □ Other (please specify) Several answers are possible. F.13. What do you think of □ Very Satisfactory The aim is to determine whether the authorities the participation of the □ Satisfactory adequately involve the respondent’s community authorities with your □ Poor in the management of border security. community on border □ Fairly poor security? Choose only one answer. F.14. In your opinion, what Ask the person what can be done to improve could be improved to relations between border communities and establish very good authorities. This question must be asked even if relations between the the person considers that the relationships are officers responsible for already very good. border security and the communities? Report the answer(s) in the field provided for Kobo. G – RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BORDER COMMUNITIES G.1. Are there □ Yes Ask if the respondent community is in touch socioeconomic □ No with other villages or hamlet located near the activities between local border for agriculture, business, work, weddings, communities (between meetings, etc. v i l l a g e s / h a m l e t s ) ? G.2. If so, which ones? □ Agriculture Ask what are the activities for which the □ Farm fishing respondent community is in touch with other □ Forestry villages and hamlets located near the border. □ Leisure activities (hunting, group fishing, etc.) Several answers are possible. □ Others (please specify) ______G.3. Have these activities □ Activities severely affected Try to find out if insecurity had an impact on been affected by the □ Activities slightly affected these activities (if they have significantly been insecurity crisis in Niger □ Activities not affected reduced, a bit reduced, or if they remained the and the surrounding □ Activities improved same or increased). countries? G.4. What is the nearest Ask the name of the nearest village or hamlet community? (name of from the respondent community. the village/hamlet) The village or hamlet should be located on the same side of the border in Niger.

Report the response in the field provided on Kobo. G.5. Are you communicating □ Yes Ask if the respondent is in touch with the nearest with this community? □ No village or hamlet.

G.6. If yes, with □ Cell phone Try to find out what are the communication tools which means of □ Thuraya used to exchange with the nearest village of communication? □ In person hamlet. □ Through intermediaries □ Radio Several answers are possible. □ The village Assembly □ Other (please specify) ______

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 61 H – COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE AUTHORITIES AND THE COMMUNITIES REGARDING BORDER SECURITY H.1.a Is there an □ Yes Try to find out if communications go through intermediary person □ No an intermediary person to exchange with the between the local authorities in charge of border security. communities and the authorities for Example: traditional leaders, community leaders, communication on representing women or young people, etc. border security? H.1.b. If yes, who is the Explain who is the intermediary person Please intermediary person? mention his/her function or status (village chief, imam, etc.), not his/her name. H.2. If yes, what □ Phone Specify the communication tool used to contact communication tools is □ Thuraya the intermediary person. the population using? □ Radio □ In person meeting Several answers are possible. □ The village Assembly □ Other ______H.3. In your opinion, how to □ Consultation framework Ask the respondent what are the most adapted establish a permanent □ Information service measures to allow an efficient communication communication for □ Local information Committee between communities and authorities, about problem reports, □ Other ______border security. between the community and the Several answers are possible. authorities, regarding border security? H.4. What are the tools □ Phone Ask the respondent what are the most efficient used to guarantee □ Thuraya communication tools between the communities information sharing? □ SMS and the authorities for border security. □ Radio □ In person meeting Several answers are possible. □ The village Assembly □ Other ______H.5. In your opinion, what □ Immediate response of the authorities Ask the respondent if the positive effects would are the advantages of □ Security problem(s) understood in due enable a good communication between the a good communication time communities and the authorities. between the □ Low-impact of border insecurity on authorities and the local populations Several answers are possible. local community, □ Other ______regarding border security? H.6. In your opinion, what □ Fast widespread of insecurity Ask what are the negative effects resulting from are the risks of a □ Late reaction of the authorities a poor communication between the communities poor communication □ Severity of the disaster in local and authorities. between the two communities stakeholders? □ Other ______Several answers are possible. I - EMERGENCY PLAN RESPONSE I.1. In your opinion what □ Insecurity Ask what could cause a large number of persons can cause mass □ Migration to cross the border or to relocate in the border displacements of □ Epidemics area. population at the □ Natural disasters border? □ Other ______I.2. Do you think the □ Yes Ask if the communities are able to handle the communities are ready □ No arrival and relocation of a large number of to face this type of persons in their village/hamlet. situation?

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 62 Diffa and Zinder regions I.3. Why? □ Crisis situation already experienced, If the answer to the previous question is yes, ask positive reaction of the population why the respondent think the communities are □ Awareness of local authorities ready to manage an emergency situation. Several □ Community well prepared and answers are possible. organized for this purpose □ Crisis Situation already experienced, If the answer to the previous question is no, negative reaction of the population ask the respondent why she thinks that her □ Panic and fleeing after threat started community is not ready. Several answers are □ Population already terrified, poorly possible. informed and disorganized □ Other (please specify) ______I.4. In your opinion, what □ Public awareness Ask what are the means that will allow a good are the necessary □ Support material for emergency use management of an emergency situation. Several tools to manage an □ Shelters answers are possible. emergency situation? □ Immediate care for displaced persons/ refugees An emergency situation is a situation in which □ Good coordination of the situation at a large number of persons is in serious danger the local level (disease, lack of water and food, serious and □ Other (please specify) ______numerous armed attacks, etc.). Some examples: epidemic, floods or drought, etc. An emergency situation requires a rapid response to help the victims. I.5. In your opinion, what □ Host the displaced population Ask the respondent what, according to him/her, role the authorities □ Provide emergency equipment the authorities must do in case of emergency. should play when □ Rescue the sick and injured people facing an emergency □ Secure the hosting area Several answers are possible. crisis? □ Immediate care for displaced persons □ Relocate the displaced persons I.6. What role the local □ Host the displaced population In case of emergency, what can the local community should □ Quickly inform local authorities community do to help the people affected? play when facing an □ Coordinate locally with the authority, emergency crisis? to facilitate the support of displaced Several answers are possible. persons □ Remain vigilant □ Respect and follow the measures taken by the authority I.7. How to associate the According to the respondent, what measures local community and should be implemented for the local community the authorities for an to work effectively with the authorities in case of efficient management emergency. of an emergency crisis? Report the answer(s) in the field provided for Kobo. I.8. How to prevent an □ Enable, promote and encourage the What measures should be implemented prior emergency crisis with local population to play the role of to any emergency situation to allow a better the local community? vigilance Committee management when a crisis happens? □ Strengthen the capacity of information transmission from the local community Several answers are possible. to the authorities □ Other (please specify) ______

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 63 DIFFA ONLY – PAST EMERGENCY CRISIS MANAGEMENT I.9. What did you do □ You immediately fled after the panic How the respondent personally responded when when facing the mass □ You stayed while being vigilant he faced a massive displacement of population displacements of □ You tried to help the authorities caused by a crisis? people from another □ You didn’t do anything population, after a □ Other (please specify) ______Several answers are possible. crisis situation? A crisis is a rapid and serious change which causes an emergency situation (see the definition of the emergency in question I.4.). I.10. What was the reaction □ The community immediately fled after How did the local community react to the crisis? of the local community the panic What did the community do? when facing this same □ The community stayed while being crisis situation? vigilant Several possible answers. □ The community tried to help the authorities □ The community didn’t do anything □ Other (please specify) ______I.11. What were the □ They immediately fled after the panic Which measures did the community recommendations of □ They stayed while being vigilant leaders (traditional chiefs, religious leaders, the community leaders □ They tried to help the authorities representatives of youth and women, etc.) at the border regarding □ They didn’t do anything suggest at the time of the crisis? the current crisis? □ Other (please specify) ______Several answers are possible.

I.12. What were the What measures did the authorities in charge of emergency measures border security took to manage the crisis? taken by the stakeholders in Report the answer(s) in the field provided for charge of border Kobo. management? I.13. Was the population □ Yes Try to find out if the local population was immediately informed □ No informed of the situation before being affected of the situation? by a population displacement or if they only found out at the last moment.

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 64 Diffa and Zinder regions Data analysis

A. Basic information A1. Distribution of respondents by region

Number Percentage Diffa 5,271 78.41% Zinder 1,451 21.59% Total 6,722 100.00%

A2. Distribution of respondents by region, department and municipality

Number Percentage Diffa 5,271 78.41% Bosso 803 11.95% Bosso 803 11.95% Diffa 2,109 31.37% Chetimari 523 7.78% Diffa 577 8.58% Gueskerou 1,009 15.01% Goudoumaria 707 10.52% Goudoumaria 707 10.52% Maine_Soroa 1,094 16.27% Maine_Soroa 1,094 16.27% N’Gourti 281 4.18% N’Gourti 281 4.18% N’Guigmi 277 4.12% Nguidmi 277 4,12% Zinder 1,451 21.59% Dungass 872 12.97% Dogo_Dogo 511 7.60% Dungass 72 1.07% Mallaoua 289 4.30% Goure 579 8.61% Boune 579 8.61% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 65 A3. Distribution of respondents by region and department

Number Percentage Diffa 5,271 78.41% Bosso 803 11.95% Diffa 2,109 31.37% Goudoumaria 707 10.52% Maine_Soroa 1,094 16.27% N’Gourti 281 4.18% N’Guigmi 277 4.12% Zinder 1,451 21.59% Dungass 872 12.97% Goure 579 8.61% Total 6,722 100.00%

B. Respondent profile B1. Gender

Number Percentage Women 1,576 23.45% Men 5,146 76.55% Total 6,722 100.00%

B2. Nationality

Number Percentage Nigerian 484 7.20% Nigerien 6,235 92.76% Chadian 3 0.04% Total 6,722 100.00%

B3. Ethnicity

Number Percentage Hausa 1,154 17.17% Kanouri 4,455 66.27% Peulh 470 6.99% Toubou 357 5.31% Boudouma 222 3.30% Other 64 0.95% Total 6,722 100.00%

B4. Age group of respondents

Number Percentage 18–25 year-old 916 13.63% 26–40 year-old 3,107 46.22% 41–60 year-old 2,239 33.31% 61–80 year-old 460 6.84% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 66 Diffa and Zinder regions B5. Professional Activity

Number Percentage Agriculture 4,248 63.20% Commerce 477 7.10% Livestock 757 11.26% Fishing 205 3.05% Other 1,035 15.40% Total 6,722 100.00%

C. Communities’ perceptions on border management C1. Usefulness of a border

Number of Frequency by Terms respondents by term terms (%) Define the separation between two YES 6,168 91.76% States NO 554 8.24% Ensuring populations’ safety YES 2,014 29.96% NO 4,708 70.04% Allow the authorities to monitor YES 1,839 27.36% entries and exits NO 4,883 72.64% Other YES 73 1.09% NO 6,649 98.91% Does not know YES 43 0.64%

C2. Knowledge of the exact border location

Number Percentage Yes 6,366 94.70% No 268 3.99% Does not know 88 1.31% Total 6,722 100.00%

C3. Border crossing in the past

Number Percentage Yes 6,618 98.45% No 91 1.35% Does not know 13 0.19% Total 6,722 100.00%

C4. Border crossing at the time of the research

Number Percentage Yes 3,717 55.30% No 2,974 44.24% Does not know 31 0.46% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 67 C5. Border crossing frequency

Number Percentage Several times a day 204 3.03% Every day 575 8.55% Often 1,191 17.72% 2–3 times a week 1,101 16.38% Once a week 1,033 15.37% Once a month 657 9.77% Once a year 158 2.35% Never 1,732 25.77% Other 71 1.06% Total 6,722 100.00%

C5.a. Reasons for crossing the border in the past?

Number Percentage Business 1,750 26.03% Economic 1,653 24.59% Family 2,864 42.61% Other 455 6.77% Total 6,722 100.00%

C5.b. Reasons for crossing the border at the time of the research

Number Percentage Business 1,275 18.97% Economic 1,298 19.31% Family 1,940 28.86% Other 2,209 32.86% Total 6,722 100.00%

C6. Knowledge of the defense and security forces present at the border

Number Percentage Yes 5,964 88.72% No 603 8.97% Does not know 155 2.31% Total 6,722 100.00%

C7. Identification of the known defense and security forces present at the border

Number Percentage Military 2,793 41.55% National Guards 2,285 33.99% Customs Officers 2,686 39.96% Gendarmes 3,822 56.86% Police Officers 1,914 28.47% Other 971 14.45%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 68 Diffa and Zinder regions D. Security risks at the border D1. a. Identification of the nationalities of the people crossing the border

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Nigeriens from other regions YES 3,873 57.62% NO 2,849 42.38% Nigeriens from the neighbouring YES 6,027 89.66% village/hamlet NO 695 10.34% Chadians YES 1,162 17.29% NO 5,560 82.71% Nigerians YES 4,885 72.67% NO 1,837 27.33% Others YES 89 1.32% NO 6,633 98.68%

D1. b. Identification of categories of people crossing the border

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Families YES 5,397 80.29% NO 1,325 19.71% Refugees YES 3,269 48.63% NO 3,453 51.37% Immigrants YES 3,214 47.81% NO 3,508 52.19% Merchants YES 5,654 84.11% NO 1,068 15.89% Others YES 249 3.70% NO 6,473 96.30%

D2. Knowledge of border-crossing for criminal activities

Number Percentage Yes 2,965 44.11% No 2,658 39.54% Does not know 1,099 16.35% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 69 D3. Types of security problems faced by local communities at the border, according to respondents

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Trafficking (drugs, weapons, etc.) YES 2,280 33.92% NO 4,442 66.08% Violent assault YES 2,545 37.86% NO 4,177 62.14% Incursions of armed/terrorist YES 2,272 33.80% groups NO 4,450 66.20% Other YES 687 10.22% NO 6,035 89.78% None YES 2,470 36.75% NO 4,252 63.25%

D4. Has your village/hamlet ever been affected by a problem of border insecurity?

Number Percentage Yes 2,813 41.85% No 3,768 56.05% Does not know 141 2.10% Total 6,722 100.00%

D5. Respondents’ knowledge of the types of security measures taken at the border

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Border controls at border posts YES 3,171 47.17% NO 3,551 52.83% Patrol YES 4,998 74.35% NO 1,724 25.65% Search YES 1,141 16.97% NO 5,581 83.03% Key informants YES 345 5.13% NO 6,377 94.87% Others YES 208 3.09% NO 6,514 96.91%

D6. Respondents’ assessment of the security measures taken

Number Percentage Very satisfactory 2,033 30.24% Fairly satisfactory 3,837 57.08% Insufficient 852 12.67% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 70 Diffa and Zinder regions D7. Risks resulting from a poor border security management, according to the respondents

Number Percentage Epidemics 1,571 23.37% Terrorist incursions 4,147 61.69% Illicit trafficking 3,250 48.35% Banditry 4,609 68.57% Recruitment of young people 1,991 29.62% Other 427 6.35% Does not know 166 2.47%

E. Perceptions of local communities on terrorism E1. Has the respondent ever heard of terrorism?

Number Percentage Yes 6,576 97.83% No 96 1.43% Does not know 50 0.74% Total 6,722 100.00%

E2. Types of terrorist activities known by the respondents

Number Percentage Widespread attacks on civilians 5,406 80.42% Destruction of houses 4,471 66.51% Murders 4,288 63.79% Abductions 2,507 37.30% Intimidation 1,364 20.29% Does not know 290 4.31%

E3. Opinion on what could push people to terrorism, according to the respondents

Number Percentage Poverty 4,235 63.00% Lack of occupation 4,287 63.78% Adherence to the ideology 3,337 49.64% Opposition to the authorities 1,060 15.77% Anger and frustration 1,669 24.83% Other 292 4.34% Does not know 313 4.66%

E4. Perceptions of respondents on the fact that their community is safe from terrorism

Number Percentage Yes 3,550 53.54% No 2,465 37.18% Does not know 615 9.28% Total 6,630 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 71 E5. Assessment of the evolution of the terrorist threat

Number Percentage Reducing 4,098 62.62% Stable 1,781 27.22% On the rise 107 1.64% No, none of the answers 558 8.53% Total 6,544 100.00%

E6. Proposal of measures needed to allow local communities to prevent terrorist threats

Number of Percentage respondents by term Raisin awareness among young people 4,883 72.64% Involve the community leaders (village 5,163 76.81% chiefs, imams, etc.) Create Community Prevention 2,392 35.58% Committees Nothing 105 1.56% Others ______368 5.47%

E7. Proposal of what measures must be taken to allow local communities helping the authorities in fighting terrorism and protect themselves

Number of Percentage respondents by term Alert authorities in case of a problem 6,511 96.86% Other 468 6.96% Nothing 166 2.47%

F. Efficiency of border management F1. What does ensuring security at the border mean to you?

Number Percentage Properly monitor border-crossings and allow the entry/exit of 1,791 26.65% persons allowed to do so Secure populations and their goods at the border 1,380 20.53% Protect and defend the country 665 9.89% Ensure peace and security at the border 645 9.60% Ensure order and maintain stability at the border 619 9.21% Presence of Defense and Security Forces 526 7.83% Strengthen the border patrol 357 5.31% search at the border 206 3.06% Does not know 195 2.90% Other 338 5.02% Total 6,722 100%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 72 Diffa and Zinder regions F2. Knowledge of patrolling along the border

Number Percentage Yes 5,391 80.20% No 909 13.52% Does not know 422 6.28% Total 6,722 100.00%

F3. Knowledge of patrolling in the village

Number Percentage Does not know 171 2.54% No 1,625 24.17% Yes 4,926 73.28% Total 6,722 100.00%

F4. Assessment of the security level in the area according to the respondent

Number Percentage Good 2,615 38.90% Average 2,413 35.90% Insufficient 1,441 21.44% No security at all 253 3.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

F5. Local persons who should be in charge of border security management, according to the respondents

Number of Percentage respondents by term Police officer 2,118 31.51% Gendarme 3,262 48.53% Customs officer 2,384 35.47% Village Chief 3,458 51.44% Traditional chief 2,807 41.76% Mayor 2,393 35.60% The army 3,149 46.85% Prefect 1,145 17.03% Governor 1,143 17.00%

F6. Assessment of the work of the stakeholders responsible for border security

Number Percentage Very satisfactory 2,430 36.15% Fairly satisfactory 3,747 55.74% Unsatisfactory 545 8.11% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 73 F7. According to you, can the local authorities ensure alone the entire security of the border?

Number Percentage Yes 2,281 33.93% No 4,097 60.95% Does not know 344 5.12% Total 6,722 100.00%

F8. What do you think of the relation between the local community and the officers in charge of border security?

Number Percentage Very good 1,557 23.16% Good 3,822 56.86% Neutral 762 11.34% Bad 556 8.27% Other 25 0.37% Total 6,722 100.00%

F9. Does the community sometimes have disputes with the persons responsible for border security?

Number Percentage Yes 1,506 22.40% No 4,619 68.71% Does not know 597 8.88% Total 6,722 100.00%

F10. If yes, how often are there disputes?

Number Percentage Very often 616 40.90% Not often 619 41.10% Rarely 271 17.99% Total 1,506 100.00%

F11. What are the reasons?

Number of Percentage respondents by term Fines 1,048 15.59% Slowdown of border crossing 1,302 19.37% Prohibition of crossing 925 13.76% Arrest 560 8.33% Hassle 268 3.99%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 74 Diffa and Zinder regions F12.a. Do the authorities ever hold meetings with your community on border security?

Number Percentage Yes 4,319 64.25% No 1,832 27.25% Does not know 571 8.49% Total 6,722 100.00%

F12.b. If yes, which ones?

Number of Percentage respondents by term Capacity-building 1,514 35.05% Training 1,190 27.55% Raising awareness 3,927 90.92% Other 188 4.35%

F13. How do you see the involvement of the authorities with your community on border security?

Number Percentage Very satisfactory 1,767 26.29% Satisfactory 3,382 50.31% Quite weak 118 1.76% Weak 1,455 21.65% Total 6,722 100.00%

F14. What do you think needs to be done to improve the relationship between border security officials and communities?

Number Percentage Strengthening communication 1,040 15.47% Strengthening awareness raising 862 12.82% Creating consultation and coordination committees 706 10.50% Good collaboration 510 7.59% Exchanging information 502 7.47% Prepare meetings with stakeholders 413 6.14% Maintain good relations 378 5.62% Multiply border patrols 359 5.34% Does not know 343 5.10% Involving the community in security management 316 4.70% Building good relationships 134 1.99% Capacity-building 111 1.65% Organize meetings in the village 103 1.53% Raise awareness and support the populations 95 1.41% Other 1,559 23.21% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 75 G. Relationships between border communities G1. Are there socioeconomical activities shared by the local communities (between villages/hamlets)?

Number Percentage Yes 5,911 87.94% No 765 11.38% Does not know 46 0.68% Total 6,722 100.00%

G2. If yes, which ones?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Agriculture NO 1,049 17.75% YES 4,862 82.25% Fish farming NO 4,848 82.02% YES 1,063 17.98% Forestry NO 5,271 89.17% YES 640 10.83% Leisure activities (hunting, group NO 3,098 52.41% fishing, etc.) YES 2,813 47.59% Others NO 4,847 82.00% YES 1,064 18.00%

G3. Have these activities been affected by the insecurity crisis in Niger and neighbouring countries?

Number Percentage Activities severely affected 3,532 52.54% Activities somewhat affected 1,000 14.88% Activities not affected 2,113 31.43% Improved Activities 77 1.15% Total 6,722 100.00%

G4. Do you communicate with the neighbouring community?

Number Percentage Yes 6,645 98.85% No 60 0.89% Does not know 17 0.25% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 76 Diffa and Zinder regions G5. If yes, by which means of communication?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Cellphone YES 5,224 78.62% NO 1,421 21.38% Thuraya YES 73 1.10% NO 6,572 98.90% Through intermediaries YES 1,904 28.65% NO 4,741 71.35% Radio YES 233 3.51% NO 6,412 96.49% In person YES 5,222 78.59% NO 1,423 21.41% Village assembly YES 2,279 34.30% NO 4,366 65.70% Other YES 101 1.52% NO 6,544 98.48%

H. Communication between the authorities and the communities regarding border security H1.a. Is there an intermediary person between the local communities and the authorities for communication on border security?

Number Percentage Yes 4,813 71.60% No 1,351 20.10% Does not know 558 8.30% Total 6,722 100.00%

H1.b. If yes, who is the intermediary?

Number Percentage Village Chief 3,891 57.88% The authorities 123 1.83% Griot 105 1.56% Intermediary 88 1.31% Canto chief 57 0.85% Other 394 8.56% Total 4,605 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 77 1. If yes, what are the communication means used by the population?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Cellphone YES 4,016 83.44% NO 797 16.56% Thuraya YES 76 1.58% NO 4,737 98.42% Through intermediaries YES 1,960 40.72% NO 2,853 59.28% Radio YES 148 3.08% NO 4,665 96.92% In person YES 3,522 73.18% NO 1,291 26.82% Village assembly YES 2,102 43.67% NO 2,711 56.33% Other YES 61 1.27% NO 4,752 98.73%

2. In your opinion, how to establish a permanent communication for problem reports, between the community and the authorities, on border security?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Consultation framework YES 2,913 43.34% NO 3,809 56.66% Information service YES 2,085 31.02% NO 4,637 68.98% Local information committee YES 4,123 61.34% NO 2,599 38.66% Others YES 448 6.66% NO 6,274 93.34%

3. What could be used to guarantee information sharing?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Cellphone YES 5,578 82.98% NO 1,144 17.02% Thuraya YES 497 7.39% NO 6,225 92.61% Through intermediaries YES 1,540 22.91% NO 5,182 77.09% Radio YES 321 4.78% NO 6,401 95.22% In person YES 4,269 63.51% NO 2,453 36.49% Village assembly YES 2,463 36.64% NO 4,259 63.36% Other YES 302 4.49% NO 6,420 95.51%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 78 Diffa and Zinder regions 4. In your opinion, what are the advantages of a good communication between the authorities and the local community on border security?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Immediate reaction of the authorities YES 4,725 70.29% NO 1,997 29.71% Security problem understood in due YES 4,338 64.53% time NO 2,384 35.47% Smaller impact of border insecurity YES 2,985 44.41% on local populations NO 3,737 56% Others YES 69 1.03% NO 6,653 98.97%

5. What do you think the risks could be in case of poor communication in between the two stakeholders?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Fast widespread insecurity YES 5,216 77.60% NO 1,506 22.40% Late reaction of the authorities YES 3,567 53.06% NO 3,155 46.94% Seriousness of the disaster for the YES 3,007 44.73% local communities NO 3,715 55.27% Others YES 166 2.47% NO 6,556 97.53%

I. Emergency response plan in the event of a crisis 1. In your opinion, what can cause mass displacement of population at the border?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Insecurity YES 5,950 88.52% NO 772 11.48% Migration YES 2,001 29.77% NO 4,721 70.23% Epidemic YES 1,022 15.20% NO 5,700 84.80% Natural disasters YES 3,115 46.34% NO 3,607 53.66% Others YES 451 6.71% NO 6,271 93.29%

2. Do you think the communities are ready to face this kind of situation?

Number Percentage Yes 4,431 65.92% No 1,904 28.32% Does not know 387 5.76% Total 6,722 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 79 3. Why?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Crisis situation experienced in the past, YES 3,329 49.52% positive reaction of the population NO 3,393 50.48% Awareness-raising by local authorities YES 2,277 33.87% NO 4,445 66.13% The community is well prepared and YES 1,823 27.12% organized NO 4,899 72.88% Crisis situation experienced in the past, YES 1,384 20.59% negative reaction of the population NO 5,338 79.41% Panic and fled if a threat is approaching YES 1,744 25.94% NO 4,978 74.06% Population already terrified, YES 877 13.05% misinformed and disorganized NO 5,845 86.95% Other YES 832 12.38% NO 5,890 87.62%

4. In your opinion, what are the necessary actions to handle an emergency situation?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Public awareness YES 5,015 74.61% NO 1,707 25.39% Emergency material support YES 3,854 57.33% NO 2,868 42.67% Shelters YES 2,987 44.44% NO 3,735 55.56% Immediate care for displaced YES 4,353 64.76% persons/refugees NO 2,369 35.24% Good coordination of the situation YES 2,068 30.76% at the local level NO 4,654 69.24% Other YES 83 1.23% NO 6,639 98.77%

5. What do you think is the role of the authorities when facing an emergency situation?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Accommodate the displaced YES 5,476 81.46% population NO 1,246 18.54% Provide emergency equipment YES 3,771 56.10% NO 2,951 43.90% Rescue sick and injured people YES 2,807 41.76% NO 3,915 58.24% Secure the hosting area YES 2,814 41.86% NO 3,908 58.14% Immediate care for displaced people YES 3,414 50.79% NO 3,308 49.21% Relocate the displaced YES 867 12.90% NO 5,855 87.10% Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 80 Diffa and Zinder regions 6. What the local community can do when facing an emergency situation?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Host the displaced population YES 5,479 81.51% NO 1,243 18.49% Rapidly inform local authorities YES 4,340 64.56% NO 2,382 35.44% Coordinate with the local authority YES 2,879 42.83% and facilitate displaced people NO 3,843 57.17% hosting Remain vigilant YES 2,475 36.82% NO 4,247 63.18% Respect and follow measures taken YES 1,841 27.39% by the authority in charge NO 4,881 72.61%

7. How could the local community and the authorities work together for an efficient emergency crisis management?

Number Percentage Through exchanges and awareness 1,893 28.16% Good collaboration 1,422 21.15% Vigilance and Emergency Management Committees 919 13.67% Organize meetings 724 10.77% help and support to the populations 415 6.17% Does not know 403 6.00% Community capacity-building 260 3.87% Security enhancement 255 3.79% Participation of the communities in decision-making 159 2.37% Good decision-making from the authorities 90 1.34% Through the village chief 79 1.18% Other 103 1.53% Total 6,722 100.00%

8. How to prevent an emergency situation with the local community?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term Enabling, encouraging and enabling YES 4,953 73.68% the local population to act as a NO 1,769 26.32% vigilance committee Building capacity of information YES 4,170 62.04% transmission from the local NO 2,552 37.96% community to the authorities Other YES 206 3.06% NO 6,516 96.94%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 81 Diffa only – past emergency crisis management

9. What did you do when facing mass displacements of another population following a crisis situation?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term You immediately fled with the panic YES 2,596 49.25% NO 2,675 50.75% You stayed but remained vigilant YES 2,200 41.74% NO 3,071 58.26% You tried to help the authorities YES 911 17.28% NO 4,360 82.72% You didn’t do anything YES 256 4.86% NO 5,015 95.14% Other YES 388 7.36% NO 4,883 92.64%

10. What was the reaction of the local community when facing this same crisis?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term The community immediately fled YES 2,331 44.22% following the general panic NO 2,940 55.78% The community stayed and remained YES 2,449 46.46% vigilant NO 2,822 53.54% The community tried to help the YES 957 18.16% authorities NO 4,314 81.84% The community didn’t do anything YES 299 5.67% NO 4,972 94.33% Other YES 380 7.21% NO 4,891 92.79%

11. What were the community leaders’ recommendations at the border regarding the present crisis?

Number of Terms Percentage respondents by term They immediately fled following the YES 1,873 35.53% panic NO 3,398 64.47% They stayed and remained vigilant YES 1,599 30.34% NO 3,672 69.66% They tried to help the authorities YES 1,203 22.82% NO 4,068 77.18% They didn’t do anything YES 1,743 33.07% NO 3,528 66.93% Other YES 405 7.68% NO 4,866 92.32%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception 82 Diffa and Zinder regions 12. What were the emergency measures taken by the stakeholders in charge of border management?

Line labels Number Percentage Nothing 1,053 19.98% Strengthen security 893 16.94% Welcome and assist the displaced persons 615 11.67% Does not know 453 8.59% Reinforce patrols 392 7.44% Leaving the border village 390 7.40% Border control 363 6.89% They fired back 283 5.37% Close the border 166 3.15% Remain vigilant 126 2.39% They were absent 112 2.12% Report the accomplices and terrorists 50 0.95% Other 375 7.11% Total 5,271 100.00%

13. Was the population immediately informed of the situation?

Number Percentage Yes 3,262 60.97% No 1,431 26.75% Does not know 657 12.28% Total 5,350 100.00%

Border security: Communities’ integration and perception Diffa and Zinder regions 83