COVID-19 will compound other crises in Niger

Subject

COVID-19 impact on Niger.

Significance

Niger, after imposing lockdown measures from late March into early May, is reopening. Yet the epidemic continues in much of the country, with a concerning second outbreak in the major southern city of Zinder, and a rising case count in the northern hub of Agadez. The evolving pandemic fallout is also intersecting with challenges such as food security, malaria and armed conflict.

Impacts

• If case counts spike, authorities may find even less compliance from citizens if they attempt a second round of lockdown.
• COVID-19 has claimed the life of one senior official, Labour Minister Mohamed Ben Omar, but has not greatly affected the country’s elite.
• The pandemic does not appear to be slowing military operations in either of Niger’s main conflict zones.