Niger: UN deputy humanitarian chief reiterates commitment to the most vulnerable people, calls for long-term engagement to build resilience

Niamey, 27 January 2023 – The Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, today wrapped up a one-week visit to Niger. Ms. Msuya participated in the Third Lake Chad Conference on 23 and 24 January in Niamey, where donors announced more than US$500 million to support the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin. She then continued her visit to spotlight humanitarian operations in Niger and to meet with affected communities, Government officials, donors, and humanitarian actors. "Niger is one of the priority countries in the Sahel region due to its multifaceted humanitarian crises,” said Ms. Msuya. “With growing insecurity in the region, more people are being displaced, and they are at risk of human rights violations and need protection and humanitarian assistance. We and our partners are committed to stay and deliver for the most vulnerable.” Niger is facing a complex humanitarian situation marked by insecurity and the impact of climate change. In five years, the number of people in need of humanitarian aid has more than doubled, from 1.9 million in 2017 to 4.3 million in the beginning of 2023. Humanitarian needs are surging due to endemic poverty, chronic food insecurity and malnutrition, pulse prices increase due to the Ukraine war and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Msuya visited Ouallam commune, in northern Tillaberi region. She met affected people, regional and traditional leaders, and civil-society and humanitarian partners. “Many of the people I met had to flee their homes for safety. But their story is not one of misery and endless suffering – it is a story of hope and the need for us to work together to help them rebuild their lives,” said Ms. Msuya. “I was moved by the resilience and unity among internally displaced persons, refugees, and the host community. I saw people supporting each other, celebrating their shared bonds, and this gave me hope. Humanitarians are here to help, and they are doing tremendous work.” In Ouallam (Satara village), Ms. Msuya visited an anticipatory action project around market gardens, where vulnerable households can grow and sell vegetables. “I was impressed by the thriving and resilient communities around these gardens,” she said. “It has not only a positive impact on their livelihoods, but it also improves the ecosystems.” “The climate change we see today is now irreversible, and addressing the consequences is critical to long-lasting resilience for the people of Niger,” said Ms. Msuya. Every year, around 100.000 hectares of arable land are lost as a result of climate change and human action.

United Nations Nations Unies Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs In Niamey, Ms. Msuya met with partners and civil-society representatives, and she urged humanitarian, development, and stabilization organizations to strengthen their coordination. She also noted the importance of strengthening partnerships with local actors. “National NGOs are on the forefront of the response. People want dignity and economic opportunity, and we should be accountable to them,” she said.

Ms. Msuya met with the President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger and Government officials and reiterated the commitment of the UN and humanitarian partners to complement national efforts to support the most vulnerable people whose aspirations are self-resilient and more dignity.

Ms. Msuya thanked the international community for its generous support, and she urged donors to sustain and increase their financial commitments to Niger this year. “We cannot focus on short-term fixes only. We need a deep and long-term commitment to building lasting resilience,” she said.