Security forces in the Diffa region of south-eastern Niger have started to round up and expel nomadic Mahamid Arabs. However, the government of Niger says reports that it will expel tens of thousands of Mahamid to Chad are exaggerated. A senior official says fewer than 4,000 people will be expelled.The Mahamid have been living in Niger for decades after fleeing neighbouring Chad starting in 1974 because of continuing drought and violence.
The nomads who are regularly involved in disputes with indigenous rural communities over wells, have been accused by Chad authorities of theft, rape and the illegal possession of firearms.
