Niger Experiencing “complicated situation” Three Months After Coup: Missionary Priest

In a report published on November 3, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation of vulnerable people in Niger especially IDPs and refugees.

“Imposed sanctions, rising prices, and the continued closure of key access points for the import of goods, such as Benin and Nigeria, continue to weaken the overall resilience of the population,” the UNHCR report indicates.

The UN Refugee Agency  warns that “unless there is a significant breakthrough in resolving the political crisis, the humanitarian situation of a very large segment of the population living in Niger is likely to become alarming.”

In the November 3 Agenzia Fides report, Fr. Casamayor says that he has experienced “greater unity and solidarity in the Christian community with which he works” despite the worsening situation.

“What made this gesture of solidarity with our most needy brothers possible was the spirit of fraternity that arose between people from such different cultures, spaces, countries, and worlds,” says Fr. Casamayor who has served the Dosso community in Niger’s Niamey Archdiocese since 2021.

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“In the last three or four months, five young couples have been married in church, the number of catechumens has increased slightly and there is a more fraternal and generally more relaxed atmosphere,” he says.

The Italian-born Catholic Missionary Priest says that his pastoral mission which involves the distribution of food to poor families has remained unwavering. He attributes this to the support of grassroots communities.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.