The Directorate General of Civil Protection in Niger, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is hosting a two-day simulation exercise of the 2026 Regional Emergency Response Plan in Niamey. The exercise, which started on September 23, aims to test the level of preparedness and coordination among different actors in responding to emergencies. The launch ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Niamey Region, General Assoumane Abdou Harouna.
According to the Governor, the simulation exercise is a tool to aid concrete decision-making, despite being hypothetical. It seeks to test the preparedness and coordination of all actors involved, calling on their professionalism and availability. The exercise's success relies on a realistic scenario and practical situation, requiring perfect communication, better coordination, and real-time decision-making. The Governor emphasized that the ORSEC plan is the reference tool for organizing rescue efforts, coordinating means, and protecting populations in emergency situations.
The Director-General of Civil Protection, Colonel-major Bako Boubacar, stated that the exercise aims to test the regional ORSEC plan with a scenario of pluvial and fluvial flooding affecting almost the entire region. The exercise will assess the capacity of the Regional Operations Coordination Center (CCO), test interoperability on the ground, and identify gaps, strengths, and weaknesses in communication and coordination in victim care. The UNDP's Resident Representative Adjoint, Jane O. Yebоh, highlighted the organization's support for the Directorate General of Civil Protection in building resilience to climate change and disaster risk management.
The UNDP's support is part of its Resilience in the Sahel project, which aims to strengthen national and local capacities for flood risk management, including improving early warning systems, coordination, and response capacities. The exercise is taking place at a critical time, as Niger is prone to flooding, which can have devastating effects on communities. The simulation will help identify areas for improvement and enhance the country's preparedness and response to emergencies.
During the launch ceremony, participants visited the Operational Center for Vigilance, Alert, and Crisis Management (COVACC) located at the DGPC. They were briefed on the center's services, including reflection and anticipation, permanent vigilance, and command and decision-making. Participants gained insight into the activities carried out within these services and their assigned missions.
The exercise brings together various stakeholders, including government officials, humanitarian organizations, and local communities. It provides a platform for them to test their response to a hypothetical flood scenario, identify gaps, and build on their strengths. The outcome of the exercise is expected to inform policy decisions and enhance Niger's preparedness and response to emergencies.
The simulation exercise is a significant step towards strengthening Niger's disaster risk management capacities. It demonstrates the country's commitment to building resilience and reducing the impact of emergencies on communities. The exercise's findings and recommendations are expected to contribute to the development of effective emergency response strategies and policies in Niger.
Key points
- The exercise aims to test the level of preparedness and coordination among different actors in responding to emergencies.
- The UNDP is supporting the Directorate General of Civil Protection in building resilience to climate change and disaster risk management.
- The exercise will assess the capacity of the Regional Operations Coordination Center (CCO) and identify gaps in communication and coordination.
