Niger intercommunal violence sees 18 killed, 40 injured

NIAMEY, Niger (AA) - At least 18 people were killed and over 40 others injured on Tuesday night in clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in western Niger, official sources told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

"It all started when a farmer was killed by Fulani herders… A fight then broke out between several farmers and breeders in Bangui [western Niger]," local mayor Oumarou Mohamed told Anadolu Agency.

Mohamed said knives were used in the fighting and several houses were also burned.

Security forces intervened to end the clashes, he added.

Violence between farmers and herders is common in Niger especially during the harvest period when livestock owners are busy looking for new pastures.

In November 2014, 10 people were killed and 13 others injured in a fight between farmers and herders in the same region.

Niger is affected by drought and often exposed to food crises.