By Meryl White
Impunity Watch Reporter, Western and Central Africa

NIAMEY, Niger – Since December, there have been three landmine explosions in the south of Niger. Just this week, the director of a private radio station, Abou Mahaman, was killed when he ran over the device with his car in Niamey, Niger. A woman traveling with Mahaman was seriously injured. Moreover, forensic experts believe that a second landmine was planted at the side of the road but did not explode.

Government officials have accused Tuareg-led rebels of planting the previous two landmines. At this point, no group has officially claimed responsibility. Moreover, it is unclear if Mr. Mahaman was a deliberate target. BBC reporter Baroue claims that Mahaman was not known to be a critical supporter of either faction.

This attack is the first attack to occur inside the capital where army officers, including the chief of staff, work and reside. Presently, journalists are banned from visiting northern Niger to interview rebel leaders of the Niger Justice Movement (MNJ). Last December, two French journalists were arrested when they ignored the ban and were charged with colluding with armed rebels.

In the past year, land mine explosions and ambushed have displaced over 11,000 citizens and cut off large parts of the northern region from aid.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Niger reporter killed by landmine –   9 January 2008

All Africa –   Niger: Mine Explosion in Niamey –  9 January 2008

All Africa – Niger: Media Director Killed by Landmine –   – 9 January 2008