Islamist insurgents have ‘summarily executed’ nearly 130 people, including 70 worshippers during prayers, in Niger.
Human Rights Watch reported that gunmen carried out a series of five horrific attacks across the nation since March, including at a mosque in the western Tillabéri region in June.
One woman who lost three of her sons told the NGO: ‘There were bodies everywhere, one on top of the other’.
Though no group has officially claimed responsibility, witnesses said they believed the attackers were with IS Sahel.
The country’s military has been struggling to contain the insurgency, a promise it made after it took power by deposing President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.
Since then, around 1,600 civilians have been murdered by fighters with the Islamic State.
Jihadist groups have also destroyed schools and religious sites, and have clamped down on civil rights depending on citizens’ interpretation of Islam, HRW said.
But the army has allegedly failed to prevent the massacres, with witnesses telling investigators that the Nigerien army did not properly response to warnings of attacks.
Police take security measures during the coup supporters gather for a demonstration in front of the French base in Niamey, Niger on August 11, 2023
Niger’s security forces stands guard as pro junta supporters take part in a demonstration in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, August 11, 2023
They are also alleged to have ignored villagers’ requests for protection.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher with the NGO, said: ‘Islamist armed groups are targeting the civilian population in western Niger and committing horrific abuses.
‘Nigerien authorities need to do more to protect people living in the Tillabéri region’.
So far, the army has not commented on the series of killings.
It comes just days after Islamic State extremists hacked at least 50 civilians to death at a funeral in eastern Congo.
The gruesome attack happened on Monday night in the town of Ntoyo, in Lubero territory, North Kivu province, local administrator Macaire Sivikunula said.
‘I can confirm a provisional death toll of 50. The victims were caught off guard at a mourning ceremony in the village of Ntoyo at around 9 p.m., and most of them were killed with machetes,’ he said. ‘The search is continuing.’
Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the military administrator for Lubero, told Reuters the toll was around 60 and could rise as there were still people missing.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group originally from Uganda, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019 and now operates as its Central Africa Province.
The attack happened on Monday night in the town of Ntoyo, in Lubero territory, North Kivu province
Despite joint military efforts by Congo and Uganda, the ADF continues to operate with impunity in the region
Since then, the ADF has escalated its attacks in the region, targeting civilians with machetes and guns. Last month they killed more than 50 civilians in several attacks.
The group finances its operations through illicit activities and maintains a strong jihadist propaganda presence.
Despite joint military efforts by Congo and Uganda, the ADF continues to operate with impunity in the region.
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