SAHEL REGION
NIGER
The threat of terrorism and violent extremism have worsened in recent decades, become increasingly pronounced in the Central Sahel region of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The security challenges inherent in the sub-regional context, resulting from the increase in asymmetric threats and their various forms of manifestation as well as the outbreak of social tensions, have resulted in the advent of transitional regimes in the three countries of the Central Sahel and the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023. Niger became a GCERF partner country in 2021. To date, GCERF has invested USD 5.5 million in the country, with active grants worth USD 2.5 million currently supporting three local civil society organisation (CSO), Diko, EPAD and Hope Sahel.
- Tillabéri (Region)
- Dosso
Background & Context
Understanding Violent
Extremism in Niger
GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL
Country
Support Mechanism
GCERF pioneers a unique model of investment designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).
GCERF in Niger is working with the government, through the country support mechanism, and bilateral and multilateral donors to ensure a coordinated approach to prevention. GCERF works with the Nigerien government to support the implementation of its national action plan and invests in local organisations that design and run programmes contributing to stability and resilience.
Key Drivers of Violent Extremism
High levels of youth employment
Limited access to stable employment and livelihood opportunities leaves many young people economically vulnerable and socially marginalised, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. In contexts where state presence and public services are weak, extremist groups often exploit these frustrations.
Recurrent farmer-herder conflicts
Competition over increasingly scarce natural resources—particularly land, water, and grazing areas—has intensified due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. In the absence of effective conflict-resolution mechanisms and adequate state presence, local disputes can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. Extremist groups often exploit these tensions.
Longstanding governance-related grievances
For decades, many communities have experienced a deep sense of marginalisation, fuelled by weak state presence, limited access to basic public services, corruption, and low levels of trust in national and local institutions. This has undermined the social contract between citizens and the state. Extremist groups frequently exploit these grievances.
Results at a Glance
Key Results
Investment & grant figures updated May 2026 · Programme results updated December 2025
Our Approach
Investment Strategy in Niger
To contribute to improvements in the social ecology to create conditions conducive to prevention and resilience-building
