Niger - More than 400 participants representing communities, authorities, civil society and security forces participated in a crisis simulation exercise organized by IOM Niger last week (14/3) in close partnership with the authorities.

Among the partners were the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Natural Disaster Management, and the Ministry of Health.

The exercise was held as part of the project Engaging Communities in Border Management in Niger, funded by the United States Department of State, as part of the Flintlock 2017 programme.

The exercise was held in Zinder, southern Niger, close to the border areas regularly suffering from terrorist incidents linked to the Boko Haram armed group. It tested the reaction and coordination capacities of the authorities in the context of a sudden event which would result in a massive population displacement.

The main objective of the project is to integrate the border populations as a key player in the response to cross-border crisis but, above all, in the prevention of such a crisis. Communities are the first to witness and observer a crisis situation, whether affecting health or safety, and, as a result, the way they communicate this to the competent authorities is a priority.

The conclusions of the Flintlock exercise will help determine the points that need to be strengthened and will outline the national contingency plan in response to cross-border crises.

“This exercise has once again shown the commitment and determination of the Nigerien authorities and populations to work together to prevent and respond to sudden crises,” said Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission at IOM Niger. “We hope through the project to further strengthen this determination and coordination among all key players,” he concluded.

The capacity-building process for crisis response will continue by organizing a second simulation exercise later this year, in support of the contingency plan developed jointly with all the authorities present along the borders.

At the end of this exercise, three 40 square metre tents were handed over to the Zinder Governorate, while 300 hygiene kits were provided to the participating members of the communities.

For further information, please contact Marina Schramm at IOM Niger, Tel: +227 9050 3966, E-mail: mschramm@iom.int