Over eleven months of protest in the middle of the desert in Niger.
The refugees trying to survive in Agadez “Humanitarian” Center have been protesting the inhumane conditions for over eleven months. They’ve been at Agadez for eight years.
Over 2,000 people are trapped in this center. There have been at least seven preventable deaths. While insufficient food and water are certainly concerns, sick people are often given nothing more than painkillers.
Just recently (August 21), eight refugees were arrested with no explanation. Nawal Daoud Mohamed has been missing for a month with no explanation. People fleeing war and other dangers arrive to Agadez only to be starved, arrested, or disappeared.
Why does this concern you?
Because the Agadez Humanitarian Center was established and is funded by your allies (Italy, EU). Because it is supposedly overseen by the UN, of which the US is a member. Because the US’s cuts to foreign aid played a part in the reduction of support received by these people who have been forced out of their home countries and lives.
Because staying silent about Agadez indicates your complicity in and your approval of not only the inhumane treatment of people fleeing persecution, but the punishment of peaceful protestors.
Steps that must immediately be taken:
• Restore food assistance to all refugees in Agadez.
• Investigate the deaths and hold those responsible accountable.
• Increase resettlement opportunities in safer areas than the desert.
• End using the withholding of aid as a punishment for peaceful protest.
I urge you to do everything in your power to ensure the people stranded in Agadez are provided with “a decent life that preserves [their] humanity.”
https://oppagadez.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-agadez-humanitarian
https://www.meltingpot.org/2024/11/bloccati-in-niger-il-grido-inascoltato-dei-rifugiati-da-un-campo-finanziato-da-italia-e-ue/
https://www.refugeesinlibya.org/post/is-the-humanitarian-shelter-in-agadez-niger-humanitarian-refugees-stuck-there-for-7-years-asks
https://www.meltingpot.org/en/2025/06/less-food-more-autonomy-the-paradox-of-unhcr-assistance-at-the-agadez-camp-in-niger/
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