Niamey, Jan 21, 2020 – Niger’s election commission said Tuesday it had suspended a voter registration drive in a western border region buffeted by jihadist insurgents. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) said because of security circumstances in the Tillaberi region, registration operations have been suspended in the districts of Abala, Tondikiwindi, Makalondi, Torodi, Gouroual, Diagourou, Inates and Banibangou. Voter registration was also suspended in Tillia, a district in the neighbouring region of Tahoua, it said on its website. Western Niger is bearing the brunt of a jihadist revolt that has swept infrom neighbouring Mali and spread to Burkina Faso. According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left around 4,000 dead last year.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 21, 2020 17:03 UTC