In a remarkable turn of events, Niger’s ruling junta issued a decree on Monday, effectively revoking a law that had previously played a crucial role in curbing the migration of West Africans to Europe. This law, backed primarily by the EU, drew considerable opposition from specific regions in the country heavily reliant on migration routes for their economic sustenance.
The migration law, enacted in 2015, sought to prevent and combat migrant smuggling, streamline national and international cooperation and safeguard the rights of trafficking victims. The European Union, a firm supporter of the law, provided aid to Niger to address their struggles with ‘irregular migration’ and develop capacity-building measures. Statistics from that period reveal that nearly 90 percent of migrants from West Africa traversed through Niger, leaving them susceptible to criminal gangs.
Despite its seemingly noble intentions, the law generated considerable controversy domestically and globally. Many parts of the country suffred economic setbacks attributed to loss of revenue from migrants utilizing their services for food, lodging and fuel. The UN Human Rights Commission expressed concern over the effectiveness of the law. The Commission indicated that migrants were being forced to take increasingly perilous routes, thereby escalating the chances of human rights abuses.
The revocation of this law by the military junta not only renders the law null but also provides eligibility for release to anyone previously convicted under it.
Prior to these developments, Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown in July following a coup by members of his elite guard. This led to the installment of General Abdourahamane Tiani as Niger’s new leader. The coup triggered international condemnation and increased concern over human rights in the region. The US State Department announced withdrawal of all non-humanitarian aid from Niger, while President Biden later expelled Niger from the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Not to be outdone, the EU rolled out a series of sanctions against Niger, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and the full restoration of the constitutional order.