Presence of UNHCR in the Diffa Region Strengthened
For several weeks, a major change has been made by the UNHCR operation in the response in the Diffa region. In August 2015, a first step was taken to shorten the 1,400km distance between the UNHCR Headquarters in Niamey and the Diffa Field Office, through the establishment of a Sub-Delegation office in Zinder to manage the Diffa field operations. 400 kilometres separates the two towns. As Diffa is located just several kilometres from the border with Nigeria, the security situation was the main reason behind the creation of an additional office outside of the region.
Despite the fact that the security situation in the Diffa region remains volatile today, a better understanding of the context and the need to be more present on the ground has led to a major strengthening of the UNHCR presence in Diffa. To-date, fifteen containers have been installed on the compound neighbouring that of the other UN agencies in Diffa town, while 32 UNHCR staff are now permanently positioned in Diffa. Additional staff are expected to join the Office in 2017. In Zinder, UNHCR maintain a minimal presence to aid in transit for missions from Niamey, and to maintain a closer presence, in the situation of a rapid degradation of the security situation.