Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged for the immediate suspension of a new database initiative in Niger, citing substantial human rights concerns. According to HRW, an ordinance enacted by Niger’s military general Abdourahamane Tiani on August 27, 2024, aims to compile information on individuals, groups, and entities suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. The organization believes that the implementation of this database breaches Niger’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
In their statement, HRW highlighted the immediate consequences for those included in the database, which range from domestic and international travel bans to asset freezes and potential revocation of Nigerien citizenship. The revocation of nationality is particularly alarming, as it could result in statelessness, directly contradicting international legal standards.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at HRW, criticized the ordinance for enabling the labeling of individuals as suspected terrorists based on vague criteria and without credible evidence. HRW has expressed concerns about the broad scope of the database, noting that it could impact individuals for reasons unrelated to terrorism. The ordinance includes activities associated with public peace, order, and security, potentially leading to unlawful restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. HRW also pointed out the lack of clear mechanisms for individuals to challenge their inclusion in the database, which could cause significant “humiliation, fear, and uncertainty.”
On the other hand, Niger’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Alio Daouda, defended the ordinance, asserting that it is part of a robust legal framework supported by national and international laws. He referenced the Nigerian Criminal Code and UN Security Council Resolution 1373, which mandates member states to implement domestic counter-terrorism laws following the 9/11 attacks.
Despite Daouda’s defense, HRW remains concerned over the ordinance’s compliance with international human rights standards. The current human rights situation in Niger has been under intense scrutiny since the military coup in July 2023 that saw the overthrow and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the US Department of State have reported multiple human rights violations, including political detentions, unlawful killings, and recruitment of child soldiers.
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