Agadez (Niger) - On 17 April, the Governor of Agadez, together with the Sultan of Agadez and the Chief of Mission ai of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially launched two innovative projects to address urgent challenges related to human mobility in the Agadez region.

The launch workshop for the two projects brought together various stakeholders to present the institutional framework of the initiatives and gather essential feedback from participants. This activity facilitated a better understanding of the projects by stakeholders and marked the official start of activities.

The first project, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for US 2,400,000 dollars, aims to prevent conflicts related to trafficking, drug use and the management of mineral resources in the Agadez region. It will focus on strengthening the capacity of local authorities and civil society, revitalizing local structures and improving social cohesion in the Agadez region.

The second project, funded by the Government of Japan for US 1,920,000 dollars, will focus on improving humanitarian response, social cohesion and resilience of communities in the regions of Agadez, Diffa, Maradi and Tahoua. Planned activities include the provision of transitional shelters, the construction of latrines and showers, and the establishment of income-generating activities for 720 households, representing some 5,040 people. In addition, the project will provide access to comprehensive humanitarian assistance, public services and community support for migrants and host communities in vulnerable situations in Agadez.

"By inaugurating these projects, we are calling for unity and solidarity. By working together, hand in hand, we can overcome the obstacles in our way and build a future of peace, prosperity and hope for all the inhabitants of Agadez and Niger," said Brigadier General Ibra Boulama Issa, Governor of the Agadez region.

"Today we are launching two coordinated and complementary actions that will strengthen social cohesion, economic resilience and local governance, while ensuring better border governance and promoting peace and stability in the country," said Nicoletta Giordano, IOM's Chief of Mission ai in Niger.

For more information, please contact Aïssatou SY, Public Information Officer, tel: +227 8006 6531, aisy@iom.int.