Niger declares three days of mourning after attacks

Niger Republic has announced three days of national mourning after Saturday’s attacks by suspected militants that killed around 100 people.

The attacks were staged in two villages, Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye, both located near Niger’s western border with Mali.

Residents in the two villages have requested for weapons following the absence of security forces in the area, but the authorities fear it would fuel inter-community conflicts.

President Mahamadou Issoufou on Monday chaired a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the state of security in the country.

The government said it would strengthen security in the western Tillabéri region, according to the interior minister. The region has been plagued by jihadist attacks for many years.

Meanwhile, the government has promised to give food donations to people affected by the attacks.

BBC/ Olawunmi Sadiq