Boko Haram Refugees In Niger Felt That The World Has Abandoned Them

Boko Haram refugees experience hunger and deprivation by the world, and feel like they are being abandoned.

A desperate mother, who has 7 children, named Boussam, said: “Take us away from this hell.”

They have been staying in Niger’s Assaga camp, housing other thousands of desperate others, who were from Boko Haram Islamist insurgents, who have been living hungry.

The refugees arrive in large numbers since the middle of 2015, due to t3rrorism attacks that occured in the region of Boko Haram.

Basic needs such as food, water and simple clothing have been low supply, struggling in reaching to the refugees.

They also receive basic medical care and education, but still lacks consistency in term of quality and amount.

Stephen O’ Brien, relief coordinator of UN emergency, visited the area this week, warning about the rising conflict has “catastrophically exacerbated” Niger’s refugees’ vulnerability.

Ibrahim, one adult refugee said: “I think that everyone has abandoned us.”

Lawan Mgadji, minister humanitarian affairs in Niger, also accompanied O’Brien during his visit to the area, agreed that there no enough aid and treatment has reached the refugee camp yet.

He said: “There is not enough food. Distribution operations are based on the neediest households.”

Putting the blame on the UN office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), for lack of aid and funds.

Meanwhile, O’Brien already promised in raising funds, starting this May 23rd – at the World Humanitarian Summit.

Elhaj Moustapha, a former rich pepper grower who was forced to leave his business because of vi0lence, said: “I am ashamed not to be able to feed my family properly.”

A Nigerian refugee who lives in the camp told reporters, about O’Brien: “It has been four months since we last received food aid.”

Not only Niger needs an incredible amount of food and aid, but also Nigeria and Chad.