Theim mosque massacre

At the start of 2021, the Islamic State – Sahel Province, a predominantly Fulani organization based in the tri-border area between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, began attacking civilian areas, especially with non-Fulani populations. The first major attack was the Tchoma Bangou and Zaroumdareye massacres that killed 105 people, and later the March 2021 Darey-Daye massacre.^[2] On August 16, ISGS fighters killed over 37 people in Darey-Daye again, along with killing thirty-three Malian soldiers during the battle of Tessit.^[3]

The militants opened fire on civilians in Theim who were performing Friday prayers on August 20.^[4][1] The town's mayor, Halido Zerbo, gave a death toll of sixteen while a Nigerien security source stated the death toll was seventeen. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, although ISGS is active in the area.^[1]