In 2008, 30 schools were closed in the north due to a combination of banditry, mine explosions, rebel attacks and military crackdowns, some of which involved attacks on schools. Bandits were robbing schools, stealing food off children and money from their parents. Landmines laid on roads approaching schools were blocking access to some schools. Teachers have reported being arbitrarily detained by the military and rebels for up to three months at a time.588


[Refworld note: The source report "Education under Attack 2010" was posted on the UNESCO website (www.unesco.org) in pdf format, with country chapters run together. Original footnote numbers have been retained here.]

588 IRIN News, "Niger: Thousands in North Sit Out Another School Year," September 4, 2008.

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